Why Jackson Jeffcoat is the Longhorns’ MVP

The season is far from over. There are still big games to be played, but one thing is clear to many people that follow Texas Longhorn’s Football … regardless of how the season ends, Jackson Jeffcoat is this team’s MVP.[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]  Johnthan Woo from Bleacher Report makes this case all the more compelling. See his take below…

Leadership

Actions often do speak louder than words, and though Jeffcoat has never been the most vocal leader, he has let his on-field performances do the talking for him.

Following in the footsteps of Alex Okafor, Jeffcoat has lived up to the expectations as the most senior defensive lineman.

With some uncertainties coming into the season, Jeffcoat was almost required to have a strong year. The Plano West standout is doing just that and is in a position to outperform what Okafor was able to do in 2012.

 After the Manny Diaz firing and the embarrassing losses to BYU and Ole Miss, Jeffcoat and other upperclassmen began shouldering some of the weight as the outspoken leaders.

 The baseline results were telling—six consecutive Big 12 wins behind a defense that was improving in virtually every phase of the game.

Jeffcoat currently ranks in the top three in sacks, tackles for loss and fumbles recovered.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Here is a side-by-side look at Jeffcoat’s 2013 stats and Okafor’s 2012 stats. Both were seniors. Both were the most heralded performers on their respective defensive lines. And both needed big-time seasons in their final years in Austin.

The Big Picture

Throughout all of the defensive shortcomings that Texas has experienced through eight games this season, one of the constants has been solid play up front.

When compared to every other position group, save maybe the kicker/punter, the defensive line has exhibited the most consistency.

And while some of the deserved credit goes to guys like Cedric Reed, Chris Whaley and Malcolm Brown, Jeffcoat has been the most outstanding performer on the defensive side of the football.

Disruptive on a consistent basis and accepting accountability when it mattered following the 1-2 start, it is obvious that Jeffcoat has stepped comfortably into the shoes vacated by Okafor.

(Source: Bleacher Report, TexasSports.com)

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