Malik Jefferson

Poteet High School Football, Class of 2015

Malik Jefferson was a dominant force on the football field at Poteet High School, earning First Team All-State honors from the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) twice during his standout high school career. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s top defensive prospects, Jefferson capped off his high school career in 2014 by receiving the prestigious Butkus Award, presented annually to the top high school linebacker in the country. 

Jefferson continued his football career at the University of Texas, where he quickly established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the Big 12 Conference. As a freshman, he earned Freshman All-American honors and was named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2015. He followed with Second Team All-Big 12 recognition in 2016 before enjoying a remarkable junior season in 2017. That year, Jefferson was named a Second-Team All-American, earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors, and was selected as the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, solidifying his place amond the nation’s elite defensive players. He later advanced to the professional level, spending five years in the NFL after being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Jefferson’s NFL stops also included stints with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans. 

Through his accomplishments at the high school, collegiate and professional levels, he remains one of Mesquite ISD’s most distinguished athletic alumni and continues to inspire future generations of student-athletes.