The Graduate: FAMU nickelback Terry Jefferson leads the Rattlers while pursuing third degree

In conjunction with the onset of the 2019 season, rattlernews.com presents FAMU Football 30 for 30. This daily series includes commentary, analysis and information of the Rattlers during fall camp. The 30 days of reporting serves as a prelude to the FAMU-UCF game on Thursday, Aug. 29 in Orlando. Day 17 of 30: Nickelback Terry Jefferson - Scholar, Leader, Athlete

Terry Jefferson personifies all the attributes of a well-rounded student-athlete.

When he's dressed in pads and a helmet, Jefferson aggressively surveys two-thirds of the coverage area as an All-MEAC nickelback.

When he's sporting casual or business attire, Jefferson is a first-rate scholar who has attained academic honors with every course on the schedule.

After the final whistle blows on his college days, his living room wall will be decorated with three framed degrees from Florida A&M.

As a present-day player, Jefferson already qualifies for membership in the FAMU National Alumni Association.

He's twice walked across the stage during commencement. In the spring of 2018, he received his bachelor's in health and leisure fitness. Earlier this month, he earned a master's degree in sports management.

Currently, the redshirt senior is undecided regarding his next major.

"The guys look up to me. I give them a reason by making sure I do things the right way," Jefferson said. "You never know when someone is watching, so you have to do right all the time. I am an influence on them. They will then be an influence on the younger kids when they come here."

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This reign of athletic and academic dominance has been his calling card since his youthful days in his hometown of Miami. 

As a student at Booker T. Washington High School, Jefferson was taking college prep courses. He also was in the business of collecting championship rings. 

Crushing the opposition is a way of life in at Booker T. Washington.

Jefferson played for a state title four years in a row. The team's only loss in the championship game came while he was a freshman. The Tornadoes won three straight state crowns (2012-14) and claimed the national championship in 2013. 

"Booker T. is football heaven. You're surrounded by great athletes and coaches who love the game. Everybody had the spirit to win. We all grew up together. That was the culture there," Jefferson said.

"Going against guys like Dalvin Cook or Amari Cooper. Their top guys in the NFL. I played alongside guys like Chad Thomas or Treon Harris. To go against and compete with guys like that made me a better player."

Jefferson was the ultimate winner in high school. But when he came to FAMU, academic and social triumphs were the only positive experiences he encountered.

Losing was painful and humbling. It also was a period of maturation for him to become a team leader.

In 2018, his skills as a leader matched with victories on the field.

The Rattlers posted their first winning season since 2011 with a 6-5 record. 

Although the breakthrough year was a mark of celebration for fans, players such as Jefferson were upset by the shortcoming of a MEAC championship. 

FAMU was 5-0 in the conference entering November. Loses to Howard and Bethune-Cookman ended the chance for him to claim another title.

The motto for 2019 is "Fight to Finish."

Because of FAMU's self-imposed one-year postseason ban, the team is ineligible to compete in the Celebration Bowl. Nevertheless, the Rattlers can still claim a MEAC and HBCU national championship.

Jefferson is taking this mission personally. He's fighting to finish victorious every day. This includes winning at practice, the weight room, film study, team meetings, meals and the classroom.

"Last year, we were one game away from a title. We were on a hot streak. Then we started smelling ourselves," Jefferson said.

"We have to humble ourselves and know it's time to go. Fight to Finish means no matter where we are in the season, we have to continue to grind. Make sure we look ourselves in the mirror and finish the season the way we want to."

Jefferson's non-stop motor and mental fortitude makes him a drum major for excellence with the club.  

Dan Lemke was hired as a nickelbacks and wolves coach this summer. In his short time on the job, Lemke's been thoroughly impressed by Jefferson's work ethic and skills as a preeminent player.

"He communicates very well and knows the system. He's the guy you can count on to know exactly what we should do. His effort from a leadership standpoint elevates him to a higher level," Lemke said.

Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @rattlernews and married2game1