JacobDufrene

Ended spring practice as the starter at strongside linebacker following the graduation of Sam Maxwell … Got his first collegiate start in the Music City Bowl after Maxwell missed the game because of injury … Has earned most of his playing time on special teams during his career, but saw more action at linebacker last year … Has played in 36 games, starting one.

2009 (Junior): Played in all 13 games … Totaled nine tackles … Got his first collegiate start in the Music City Bowl and had a career-high three tackles, including one for loss … Also had a tackle for loss against Eastern Kentucky.

2008 (Sophomore): Played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams … Made a tackle in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

2007 (Freshman): Appeared in 10 games, seeing extensive action on the special teams unit … Contributed three tackles in kick coverage.

High School: First-team all-state as a senior by the Louisiana coaches association … Four-year letterman and two-year starting linebacker at John Curtis Christian HS in River Ridge, La. … Helped lead team to state championships in both his junior and senior seasons, compiling a 24-1 record … Career totals feature 201 tackles, with 31 quarterback sacks … Outstanding long snapper who filled that duty for three seasons … Also caught four touchdown passes as a reserve tight end … Noted as a swift blitzer from his outside linebacker position … Made 49 tackles, including 11 sacks, as a senior … Junior stats were 96 tackles and 14 sacks … Two-year pick on the all-district and All-Metro New Orleans teams … Also all-parish as a senior … All-South Region selection by PrepStar … Also honorable-mention all-state as a junior by Pelican Preps … The nation’s No. 89 strongside linebacker by Scout.com … Coached by J.T. Curtis … “Jacob has outstanding athleticism and speed,” Curtis said. “He can defend against the pass and is a tremendous rusher. Playing outside linebacker in college will be an easy transition for him, as he is a very effective blitzer.” … Three-year letterman in basketball and track … Competed in the 400-meter run and 4×400-meter relay … Honor-roll student and a member of the National Honor Society … Chose Kentucky over Memphis, Tulane, and Louisiana-Monroe.

Personal: Last name is pronounced “du-FRANE” … Son of Paul Dufrene and Becky Dufrene … His father, Paul, and brothers Paul and Dustin all played college football at Nicholls State … Major is community communications and leadership development.

Community Cats: Participated in events with Kentucky Special Olympics (2008) and Golf Fore the Hungry (2009).