Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR:  A veteran of the Cougar system with 29 games in his career, senior LeAndre Jefferson figures to emerge as one of the leaders of a rebuilt secondary … A good athlete and a hard hitter.

2017 (junior):  Started at free safety in ten of the Cougars’ 11 games during his 2017 junior season when he tallied 35 tackles (25 solo), one for loss, two interceptions, and four pass deflections … In the Cougars’ season-ending 56-35 win over Colorado Mesa, had four tackles and an interception deep in CMU territory that led to a TD … In an early-season 30-19 setback to Humboldt State, had a season-high five tackles and an interception.

2016 (sophomore):  As a 2016 sophomore, appeared in all 12 of the Cougars’ games, starting three … Finished the campaign with 14 tackles (10 solo), 2.5 for losing, including a sack, to go along with two interceptions, two pass break-ups, and one fumble recovery …  Had a terrific game in the regular-season finale at Colorado Mesa in which he had two tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception … His third-quarter pick led to a Cougar field goal that gave Azusa Pacific a 24-23 lead at the time … Also had an interception in the win over Simon Fraser.

2015 (freshman): As a 2015 true-freshman, played in all ten games in the defensive backfield … Made 23 tackles (nine solo) … Made his first collegiate start in the fifth game of the season, at home vs. Central Washington, tallying four tackles in the game.

High School: Played varsity football as a defensive back and running back at Mission Oak High in Tulare, Calif., for four years under head coach Mark Gambini ... The Hawks went 40-11 in his four years with the program and won three East Yosemite League titles … Also lettered in basketball.

Personal: Born on Dec. 16, 1996, to Debra Jefferson in Tulare, Calif. ... Has one sister (DaShawna) and a brother (Andrew) ... Majoring in criminal justice ... Enjoys fishing.