MORAN — Amid a season of struggles, one of Marmaton Valley High’s bright spots on the gridiron last fall was the play of senior linebacker and tight end Joey Jefferis.
Jefferis, a three-year letter winner for the Wildcats, signed a letter of intent Wednesday to continue his playing career at Independence Community College.
He was a reserve in 2011, in which the Wildcats went 7-3 and advanced to the second round of eight-man playoffs.
Jefferis also was a spot starter in 2012, a season in which Marmaton Valley rolled through its first 10 games undefeated.
The team wasn’t as successful in 2013 — losing much of its firepower to graduation, and left with 14 or fewer eligible players some weeks — as Marmaton Valley ended the season with a 1-8 record.
While Jefferis’ individual statistics were unavailable, Wildcat assistant coach Dan Uhlrich praised his efforts on the gridiron.
“His strength is a strength,” Uhlrich said. “Other teams won’t want to run right at him.”
While lining up on both sides of the ball, Jefferis will focus primarily on defense at linebacker.
At 6 foot, 200 pounds, Jefferis said his discipline was his biggest attribute.
“All I can do is keep working and try to get better,” he said. “I’m hoping to play linebacker or special teams, wherever the team needs me.”
Jefferis also was considering Friends University.
He plans to study sports medicine, with the hopes of transferring to the University Kansas once his work at Independence is complete.
Jefferis, 18, is the son of Joe and Shonda Jefferis.
