HICKORY, NC - One of the most prolific defensive players in Lenoir-Rhyne history, Andre Jefferson, has been named to the Reece's Senior Bowl Watch list. Out of 859 total prospects, Jefferson is one of just 10 players that does not currently play NCAA Division I football. Jefferson, along with Carson Newman's Major Williams, make up the South Atlantic Conference's two honorees. 

This year's Senior Bowl staff will be comprised of 11 regional scouts with over 200 years of NFL experience. They rely on decades worth of relationships at the college and NFL levels to stay on top of all the risers, career backup late-bloomers, and transfers taking advantage of opportunities in their final seasons. Senior Bowl scouts will be in virtually every FBS and many small-school stadiums this college season.  Last year, their staff saw all but two (out of 139) prospects in-person who ended up on the American and National rosters in February.
 
Last season, Jefferson was named First-Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Region, and to the D2Football Elite 100 list. He totaled a program-record 24 tackles for loss while adding 13 sacks, helping lead the Bears to a national semi-final appearance. He finished the season fourth on the team with 58 total tackles as well as six QB hurries, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He was an AFCA Second Team All-American in 2022 and broke the LR single game record for sacks, notching 5.5 against Tusculum. He is the LR career record holder for total sacks (29.5), and sits at second with 48.5 tackles for loss. 

The Bears open up their season on Saturday, September 7th, when they host Bowie State in a rematch of their 2021 playoff battle. Their first conference game will take place on Saturday, September 21st, when the Bears make a trip to Mars Hill to take on the Lions. To purchase tickets and see the Bears in action this season, click HERE.