Titans WR Van Jefferson has always modeled a pro's work ethic since he played at Ravenwood, and he's remained connected with the school.
Van Jefferson was the last player on the football practice field.
As Titans practice came to a close at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park and the crowd began to thin, a *thunk* noise coming from a jugs machine got louder as each football was shot off.
The sound could be heard over and over as Jefferson stood alone on the receiving end of the machine.
His teammates were long gone, sitting inside trying to cool down from a blistering hot summer day after a long football practice, but not the wide receiver.
"It's my position," Jefferson said. "That's what I get paid to do — catch the ball. You've got to get in as many reps as you can."
Jefferson is entering his seventh season in NFL. He has 137 catches for 1,876 yards in stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jefferson is getting ready to play his inaugural season with the Tennessee Titans — his hometown team. He went to high school at Ravenwood his junior and senior years after his dad, Shawn, relocated the family to the Nashville area after accepting a job with the Tennessee Titans. He was an assistant here from 2013-15.
Despite Jefferson's short stint in Williamson County, he has remained close with his alma mater and his former coach.
"He's given back even when he wasn't here," former Ravenwood coach Will Hester said.
Jefferson bought Beats by Dre headphones to give to the team when they were on a playoff run. He chipped in to help purchase new uniforms. The new Titan wide receiver isn't shy to show his support.
He's also never lost touch with his former high school coach.
"He and I probably FaceTime probably once a week or so and just catch up," Hester said. "I like to ask him about how camp is going. We talk a lot and have had the chance to spend some time together since he's been back."
Hester made the trip to Los Angeles and witnessed Jefferson win a Super Bowl. He's gone to Green Bay to see the wide receiver play against the Packers. He makes sure to catch Jefferson's games on TV.
Regular trips to Ravenwood have been made now that Jefferson is back in Tennessee. He's worked out there and has imparted wisdom on the players.
"It's so good to be back in Nashville," Jefferson said. "I have a lot of friends around here so it's really exciting."
Now, he's looking to make the most of his opportunity with the Titans.
Hester had a front row seat to witness the wide receiver's work ethic. It's one that Jefferson molded while being engulfed around football since he was a child.
He modeled his game after Calvin Johnson when his dad coached the Detriot Lions legend.
Jefferson has always understood what it takes to be a pro.
"Van spent his whole life around the professional game," Hester said. "He saw how guys trained and was trying to emulate how they worked. He's always had professional way about how he did everything."
That's why the jugs machine works overtime.
"It's going to make me better and that's why I have to get it done," he said.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans WR Van Jefferson back in Nashville where he starred in high school
Category: Football
