FB/LB Josh Jeffries signs with Los Angeles Avengers
November 19, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Josh Jeffries, an accomplished pass rusher who will be converted into a fullback/linebacker in the Arena Football League, has signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Avengers, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today.
Jeffries (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) was signed by the Tennessee Titans on April 28, 2003, and was with the club during training camp and played in all four preseason games before being released on Aug. 29, as the team trimmed its roster down to the 53-man limit. In his NFL debut on Aug. 9, Jeffries recorded two solo tackles versus the Cleveland Browns. A week later, he came up with an interception against the Buffalo Bills and returned it six yards.
"Jeffries came highly recommended by the Tennessee Titans organization," said Hodgkiss, who led the Avengers to an 11-5 record and No. 4 playoff seed last season in his second year with the club. "The Titans said he was one of the most productive new players in their camp and when he came down here to workout for us, his work ethic really shined through.
"This guy is a hard worker and a really intense player," Hodgkiss added. "He has the ability to not only play the fullback/linebacker position for us, but can be a swing guy, who we put down on the defensive line as well. Josh has that kind of athletic ability and strength. We're really excited to add him to our team."
A four-year letterman and three-year starter at Appalachian State University (Boone, N.C.), Jeffries finished his collegiate career with a school-record 33.5 quarterback sacks (7.5 during postseason play). As a senior in 2002, he was named the Southern Conference "Defensive Player of the Year" and a consensus All-America selection, finishing with 81 tackles (25 for losses), 19 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries, an interception and a blocked kick. Jeffries was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given to the nation's most outstanding NCAA Division I-AA defensive player.
As a junior in 2001, he set the single-season Mountaineer record with 14 sacks, which included a string of seven consecutive games with at least one.
In addition, Jeffries was recently selected as one of 25 players on Appalachian State's "75th Anniversary Team."
"This is the first time in 14 years that I'm not playing football in the fall," Jeffries said. "So, I'm really excited to get going again, especially for a good team in California. You can't beat that.
"My good friend Jamie Lovern plays for the Dallas Desperados and he's been in my ear for a couple years now, telling me about the Arena Football League and how it is perfect for me," Jeffries added. "I watched AFL games last year on NBC and it's such an exciting action-packed brand of football."
Born on March 7, 1979, Jeffries prepped at Northern Durham (N.C.) High School. As a four-year starter in football, he posted 326 career tackles, 50 sacks for the Knights and was named Durham's "Defensive Player of the Year" as a senior in 1997. Jeffries was named to the all-league and all-area team for four consecutive years and was an all-state selection twice. He also was a four-year letterman in basketball and baseball.
Jeffries currently resides in the Raleigh-Durham area and enjoys playing golf in his spare time.
Avenger season tickets for the 2004 campaign, which begins on Feb. 8, are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-888-AVENGERS or online at www.laavengers.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 19, 2003
- Gladiators Acquire Bees from Columbus - Las Vegas Gladiators
- FB/LB Josh Jeffries signs with Los Angeles Avengers - Los Angeles Avengers
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