Ole Miss wide receiver Van Jefferson enjoyed a breakout performance against Alabama in Week 3. Jefferson caught six passes for 91 yards during the Rebels’ 48-43 loss.

The redshirt freshman is tied for second among Ole Miss receivers in receptions with 12 and third in receiving yards with 145. He also scored a touchdown during his first college game against Florida State in Week 1.

His father, Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, always manages to tune in for his son’s games, despite having a busy NFL schedule. The elder Jefferson has been impressed with Van’s play through his first three collegiate games.

“He’s grown up right before my eyes to be honest with you,” Shawn said. “I was really pleased, he made some clutch catches (against Alabama). … Those two games against two formidable opponents, he really held his own. I liked his growth going forward. I thought he really held his own. I didn’t think the moment wasn’t too big for him at all.”

Jefferson was a four-star prospect for the 2015 national signing class but was forced to redshirt during his first year. Shawn preached patience to his son throughout the 2015 season. Once spring practice began, Jefferson asserted himself as a starting slot receiver.

“My son is very driven. He didn’t come to Ole Miss to be second fiddle,” Shawn said.”That’s just his mindset.”

Ole Miss will host No. 12 Georgia Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.