Don’t fall in love with Justin Jefferson’s 2019 production

LSU junior WR Justin Jefferson’s statistical boom in 2019 has propped him as one of college football’s biggest breakout players. But numbers can lie. A change in how he’s used and the otherworldly talent that is quarterback Joe Burrow is largely responsible for Jefferson’s surge in production and the ensuing rise in status among fans and player evaluators.

After catching just 54 passes for 875 yards and six touchdowns in 2018, Jefferson ranks third in the country in total receiving yards (1,434) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (18) following his four-touchdown performance against Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. He also ranks third in first-down receptions (67), tied for third in receptions of 15-plus yards (35) and first in passer rating when targeted (148.3).