Lejiste Delivering the Pain

Jon Lejiste has become a big time hitter for the Bulls (Picture credits go to http://www.usfnation.com/)

I have done several profiles on the USF secondary players, but there is another player that has been improving the past two years and could be a big time playmaker in 2011, safety Jon Lejiste. Lejiste has become an enforcer in the USF secondary, landing punishing hits to any ball carrier that is unfortunate enough to get in his path. [keep reading]

Lejiste, 5'11" 202-pound sophomore, has become a big time player both in the secondary as well as playing up on the line of scrimmage. Lejiste is a punishing hitter that fits Mark Snyder's zone blitz scheme packages perfectly. He is able to fight through the line and chase down the ball carrier, delivering pain on a ball carrier if they attempt to get outside. He is also able to play well in pass coverage and has great speed that allows him to match up with wide receivers and physical enough to play against a tight end.

In 2009 as a freshman, Lejiste got plenty of playing time and recorded 29 tackles, including 1 tackle for a loss, 1 pass breakup, and 1 forced fumble. He showed he could line up anywhere on the field. This season, under Snyder, Lejiste became an even greater weapon in new blitz packages under the first year defensive coordinator. He finished the season with 39 tackles (splitting time with a talented backfield), including 6.5 tackles for a loss (3 sacks), 2 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups, and his first career interception.

Lejiste is a punishing hitter and with a year under his belt and Mark Snyder calling the plays, expect Lejiste to make a living chasing quarterbacks and making running backs they wished they stayed home in 2011. He is just a great player and is getting better with every game, I can't wait to see how many people he knocks out in 2011.