By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Jordan Jefferson is a winner.

A Cliché? Sure. But there’s no more succinct way to describe LSU’s sophomore passer, who has led the Tigers to a 5-0 start this season and the No. 4 overall ranking in both major college football polls.

Tonight, the Destrehan product will have the spotlight as he leads the Tigers onto their home field to face the No. 1 ranked Florida Gators. A win would be a huge boon to LSU’s hopes for a second national title in three years.

Destrehan coach Stephen Robicheaux can tell you all about Jefferson’s knack for coming up with the ‘W’.

All Jefferson did for Robicheaux at Destrehan High School was lead the Wildcats to a 21-0 record in games that he started – that includes a 15-0 mark in 2007, when the team won its first of two consecutive Class 5A titles.

“We didn’t do it for him. He did everything for us,” said Robicheaux. “Watching him on Saturdays now, it just makes us all so proud to know he came from Destrehan.”

Jefferson started the Tigers’ last two games of the 2008-09 season as a true freshman after taking over for starter Jarrett Lee. His perfect record as a starting quarterback would be foiled in his first game, a 31-30 loss that saw the Razorbacks rally from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit.

But he rebounded quickly, earning honors as MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl by leading LSU over Georgia Tech. He completed 16-of-25 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown in a game that LSU led 35-3 at halftime.

And Jefferson hasn’t lost since. Dating back to DHS, he is now 27-1 as a starting quarterback.

Robicheaux says his former quarterback’s nearly spotless record comes largely due to his very high level of efficiency.

“When you look at his ratio of touchdowns to interceptions, it’s crazy,” says Robicheaux. “His typical day, you look and he’s 18-of-23 for 200-plus yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions. He did that here, and now at LSU. He simply doesn’t get you beat.”

Of course, simply garnering the opportunity to start games so early on one’s collegiate career is an impressive enough task, especially for a top tier program like LSU. To play as a true freshman for a school defending a national championship, as Jefferson did, is a rare feat.

Robicheaux wasn’t shocked when he heard that Jefferson was getting his shot.

“He’s got such a drive,” Robicheaux says. “Nothing distracts him. He’s a kid that’s always watching film. And seeing just the rapid improvement from his sophomore to his junior year here at Destrehan, and then his junior year to his senior year…you could see he was willing to do whatever it takes to progress to be the best he can be.”

He’s also a positive leader off the field. Robicheaux says that Jefferson sets a fine example for not only fellow players, but people in general.

“In four years at Destrehan, you’d never hear one bad thing about Jordan,” said Robicheaux. “You can point to his athletic ability, and he has a lot of it. But he’s got a tremendous work ethic, and he’s had such a positive family life – he comes from great parents. Everything is positive about him. And the sky is the limit going forward.”

Once upon a time, Robicheaux watched Jefferson lead his team to victory against rivals like Hahnville and East St. John.

Last week’s LSU win over the SEC rival Georgia Bulldogs may have triggered some big game flashbacks for the coach.

And if that one didn’t, tonight’s game between LSU and Florida certainly will.

Does the coach have a prediction?

“I think it’ll be pretty high scoring,” says Robicheaux. “Let’s say LSU 31, Florida 28.”

Naturally. Just one more win for Jordan Jefferson.

His history suggests nothing less.