Texas held practice indoors on Wednesday, and the media was not allowed to watch. However, sophomore linebacker Malik Jefferson spoke to reporters after his team’s second spring practice.
Here are the highlights of Jefferson’s media availability:
- When asked what his biggest lesson was a freshman, Jefferson said, "I had to be humble. I had to stay in my place. I had to sit back and watch and learn from other people’s mistakes instead of learning from my own at the same time. I think that was one of the hard parts. I was used to being a leader. Different environments kind of changed who I was. It’s kind of helped, honestly. I’ve become better. I feel stronger.”
- However, Jefferson believes he can be a leader this year: “I’ve earned my stripes. I hope my teammates respect that. At the same time, I respect them because they know we have a big goal to accomplish. It’s going to take all of us, not just one.”
- One of the most frustrating aspects of last season for Jefferson was not being able to play at the end of the season due to injuries. Missing his team’s win against Baylor in the season finale was the toughest moment for him. He watched the game from the player’s lounge in Moncrief.
- In addition, Jefferson said last year’s losing season was tough to endure: “Every week you go out, and you wonder, 'Are we going to be ready to play today?' That’s the mindset we have to change. We have to be ready to play every game this year.” Jefferson said it was difficult to achieve team chemistry because his freshman class was still learning how to play. He said their lack of knowledge led to confusion on the field, which hurt team chemistry.
- Jefferson is one of many defensive players who jokingly said they are not speaking to offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert. The new up-tempo offense has every defender playing at a faster rate, which is a pace everyone is adjusting to.
- One of the benefits of practicing against Gilbert’s offense is it will mentally prepare Texas' defense for the upcoming season, according to Jefferson. He hopes the game will eventually slow down for every player during the regular season, and believes seeing Gilbert’s offense every day will enable his unit to play a lot faster.
- When Jefferson was asked if he hoped other players would emerge so he could move to the Fox position, the linebacker said is not bothered by his current situation. He said, “I look at the longevity for the team, and it’s all about what the team needs. For me being at Mike, if that’s the best position for me at this time, I have to accept it, and grow in it. That’s what I’m doing this spring.”
- One area of improvement Jefferson has made is with time management. When Jefferson first stepped on campus, he did not know how to divide his time studying in the classroom, or watching film, without being overwhelmed. Right now, Jefferson knows how to balance his time, and is grateful for his previous struggles.
Here are the highlights of Jefferson’s media availability:
- When asked what his biggest lesson was a freshman, Jefferson said, "I had to be humble. I had to stay in my place. I had to sit back and watch and learn from other people’s mistakes instead of learning from my own at the same time. I think that was one of the hard parts. I was used to being a leader. Different environments kind of changed who I was. It’s kind of helped, honestly. I’ve become better. I feel stronger.”
- However, Jefferson believes he can be a leader this year: “I’ve earned my stripes. I hope my teammates respect that. At the same time, I respect them because they know we have a big goal to accomplish. It’s going to take all of us, not just one.”
- One of the most frustrating aspects of last season for Jefferson was not being able to play at the end of the season due to injuries. Missing his team’s win against Baylor in the season finale was the toughest moment for him. He watched the game from the player’s lounge in Moncrief.
- In addition, Jefferson said last year’s losing season was tough to endure: “Every week you go out, and you wonder, 'Are we going to be ready to play today?' That’s the mindset we have to change. We have to be ready to play every game this year.” Jefferson said it was difficult to achieve team chemistry because his freshman class was still learning how to play. He said their lack of knowledge led to confusion on the field, which hurt team chemistry.
- Jefferson is one of many defensive players who jokingly said they are not speaking to offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert. The new up-tempo offense has every defender playing at a faster rate, which is a pace everyone is adjusting to.
- One of the benefits of practicing against Gilbert’s offense is it will mentally prepare Texas' defense for the upcoming season, according to Jefferson. He hopes the game will eventually slow down for every player during the regular season, and believes seeing Gilbert’s offense every day will enable his unit to play a lot faster.
- When Jefferson was asked if he hoped other players would emerge so he could move to the Fox position, the linebacker said is not bothered by his current situation. He said, “I look at the longevity for the team, and it’s all about what the team needs. For me being at Mike, if that’s the best position for me at this time, I have to accept it, and grow in it. That’s what I’m doing this spring.”
- One area of improvement Jefferson has made is with time management. When Jefferson first stepped on campus, he did not know how to divide his time studying in the classroom, or watching film, without being overwhelmed. Right now, Jefferson knows how to balance his time, and is grateful for his previous struggles.
