The phrase "started from the bottom" usually evokes the connotation of an individual rising from phoenix-like ashes. The more colloquial connotation would refer to the hit single by hip-hop recording artist Drake. But when "started from the bottom" refers to 5th team reps at the outside linebacker position for the defensively savvy Houston Texans, your bottom is relatively high.
Willie Jefferson, an undrafted defensive end from Stephen F. Austin State University, hails from the oil-centric town known as Beaumont, Texas. As a starter, Willie recorded 15 sacks and an impressive 2 pick six's (interceptions returned for touchdowns). Willie's 15 sacks placed him at the top of the Southland Conference in sacks and 4th nationally in all of NCAA division-1 football at the defensive end position. His stellar performance against McNeese State, 4.5 sacks, garnered him defensive player of the week. There's no doubt that Mr. Jefferson is a stud on defense.
The Houston Texans, notorious for running the 3-4 defensive scheme, three defensive lineman and four linebackers, took a chance with Willie as undrafted free agent.
In retrospect, this was a chance of a lifetime, but not only for the Beaumont bred defensive end, but also for the Texans who picked up a 6 foot 6 inch, athletic monster coming off of the end. In the Texans defensive scheme, implemented by former Dallas Cowboy head coach and defensive sage Wade Phillips, Willie was placed at the outside linebacker position.
Willie apparently handles adversity and change well, because not only did he transition to a new position, he started on the 5th team practice squad and now he's 1st 1st 1st team outside linebacker, currently a starter.
Yes, the season has not commenced yet, but for an undrafted free agent who's had several hiccups in his past to take 1st team reps at the outside linebacker position for the Houston (freaking) Texans 90 miles west of his hometown, must be a dream.
"Willie's gone from fifth team to first team in about a month-and-a-half," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's come a long way." A long way indeed he has. Now, the real hunger from within should rise as Willie begins to consistently practice with the 1st team defensive squad, with the freak of nature J.J. Watt.
A hurdler of many obstacles, the largest hurdles of his current NFL career thus far are keeping the naysayers in check, fending off obstructions to his spot on the depth chart, as well as permanently positioning hisself as the starting outside linebacker for the Houston Texans. Baring no external detriments, Willie Jefferson will be the upcoming defensive star for the Houston Texans in the 2013-2014 season.
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