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David Smoak of ESPN 1660 confirmed that junior running back Johnny Jefferson will not play for Baylor in 2016.
Smoak reported this:
#Baylor HC Jim Grobe confirmed to me RB Johnny Jefferson will not play for the Bears during the 2016 football season. (1/3)
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) September 9, 2016
Grobe said the former Killeen Shoemaker star, while still a member of this team, in addition to healing recent injuries... (2/3)
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) September 9, 2016
(3/3) Jefferson is taking time away from school to deal w/some personal issues, hopefully rejoin program for spring semester.” #Baylor
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) September 9, 2016
After exploding for 299 yards against North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl, Jefferson finished last season with over 1,000 yards rushing. Jefferson was expected to share duties with Shock Linwood this season and was listed as the co-starter entering the season.
Smoak notes that Jefferson is dealing with personal issues. We don’t know exactly what those are. While Jefferson deals with what he’s facing, we wish him the best and hope everything works out for him. It was a joy to watch him play last season, and it would be wonderful if he’s able to return next season.
Smoak also added Jefferson will only have one remaining season of eligibility in 2017:
Since Johnny Jefferson already red-shirted, if he returns next semester, he will have one year of eligibility left on his "5-year clock."
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) September 9, 2016