Watch Southern University freshman point guard Jasmine Jefferson play basketball, and you'll quickly notice her aggressive style of play.

"Jasmine is probably one of the strongest and more agile kids we've had. Her athleticism is superior," said Lady Jaguars head coach Sandy Pugh.

Jasmine's mindset explains why her style is reminiscent of a football player's approach.

"I'm very aggressive with the ball. It's like a football when I see it on the court," said Jefferson.

That's no coincidence. Her first love isn't hoops – it's the pigskin. The youngest of three, she has two older brothers. Growing up, they'd spend hours playing football together.

Growing up in Miami, Florida, Jefferson says she used to beg her father to let her go out for the team. In high school, her mother finally convinced him to let her try out.

"I went out and played wide receiver... I didn't want to play kicker, where they usually put the girls. I was a wide receiver. I wasn't scared of anything. I came out, played hard, and showed that women can do the same as men," she said.

Jefferson played wide receiver for two seasons at Miami Southridge High School. She says she misses the collisions. "People would say, 'why does she want to go into contact?' I like to get knocked down and get right back up. Another thing is the crowd and its influence on how you play. When the lights come on, it means gametime."

She says she had no problem being the only girl on the team – in fact, she had only one real complaint.

"I was always late to team meetings because I had to wait on outside while the boys changed on the inside." She said. "plus, I changed in the girls locker room – and the girls were always like 'get out it's stinking up the locker room!'"

Jefferson didn't stay playing basketball until she was in the 10th grade. She says it was her football coach that made her try out.

Pugh says Jefferson's history with football helps her on the court. "She brought the running, jumping and great hands to team. We've worked hard on her jump shot, finishing and helping her understanding of game. She's only going to get better. By time she's done, she could be a candidate for SWAC conference player of the year."

As a true freshman, Jefferson is a consistent contributor. STATS! But it is the intangibles that make her one to watch.

"I think she has a mean streak in her she definitely does. She's a great individual, and a great kid. She loves basketball, and loves Southern," Pugh raved. "She's been a great asset to us. She's developing into one of those players we have to have on the court."