STARKVILLE — A.J. Jefferson spends a lot of his free time watching film.
The Mississippi State defensive lineman studies the action to see his mistakes so he can correct them. He also watches film to analyze his good plays and to break down offensive linemen he will face in an attempt to find ways to beat them.
Early in Jefferson’s career, he was trying to out-physical everyone and didn’t worry about studying film or the mental side of the game. But he has become more of a student of the game as he has matured.
“You really have to become an expert in the film room, watching tape and learning what guys do,” Jefferson said. “I think (defensive line coach) Bake (Brian Baker) since he got here, he’s helped me out a lot with that. Just studying offensive lineman, seeing what they can’t do, what moves you can use against them.”
The time Jefferson has spent watching film has paid off in the first two games. On Monday, he was recognized for his play in MSU’s 27-14 victory against South Carolina when he was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week. The Summit native had five tackles (two for loss) and one quarterback hurry. He will look to continue that play at 6 p.m. Saturday (ESPN2) when MSU (1-1, 1-0 SEC) plays at No. 20 LSU (1-1, 0-0).
Jefferson leads the SEC and is third in the nation with six tackles for loss. He is sixth on MSU’s list for career tackles for loss with 30 1/2. Jefferson is tied for the SEC lead with three sacks. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive end is fourth on the team with 12 tackles.
First-year defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon said Jefferson has been the tone-setter for the defense.
“You can’t argue with production,” Sirmon said. “We talked about in the spring that we’re looking for people that produce, not just participate. We can find anybody to go out there and play 60 snaps, but to go out there and impact the game and produce in ways that help us win, he’s done a great job of that.”
Jefferson redshirted in 2012. He played in 26 games in 2013 and 2014. He became a starter last season and led MSU in tackles for loss (13 1/2) and was second in sacks (five). He had 47 tackles.
Sirmon introduced a 3-4 base defense with multiple looks after he was hired following two seasons at Southern Cal as the associate head coach, recruiting coordinator, and linebackers coach. The new defense has benefited many of the defensive linemen, especially Jefferson. Moving from outside to inside and vice versa has given Jefferson a new perspective.
“On the inside, you have to get your hands up a whole lot faster,” Jefferson said. “(Former defensive line coach) (David) Turner told me that last year, and this year I’ve kind of translated some of that over. With the help of coach Bake, it’s really just helped my pass rush out a lot.”
Sirmon said Jefferson has done a great job of executing techniques. As a result, Sirmon is relying on Jefferson’s experience and is giving him more responsibility and more flexibility to make calls on the field.
Sirmon said Baker, who has 19 years of NFL coaching experience, has played a key role in Jefferson’s development.
“He’s had a lot of experience to get to this point, but I think if he can continue on playing at the level at which he’s at, I think he’s going to walk away and really be somebody that’s remembered here a long time,” Sirmon said.
Jefferson wants to play in the NFL, so he knows watching film will continue to be a priority. He hopes that study helps him and his teammates improve.
“Me being in the film room, watching at home alone or watching it with Nelson (Adams) or some of the young guys, that has helped me out a lot. Me being able to call that out to the young guys, that’s going to make us better as a group,” Jefferson said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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