A native of Kansas City, Jeffries was an all-Big Six Conference guard on Don Faurot’s team in 1941 that debuted the Split-T formation and revolutionized college football. That squad led the nation in rushing (307.7 yards per game), won the Big Six championship and earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl. Jeffries, along with fellow linemate Darold Jenkins, led the blocking for backfield stars Bob Stueber, Harry Ice and Red Wade. Jeffries played in the College All-Star Game in Chicago in 1942 and was named to the Chicago Tribune all-America team. Following his graduation in 1942, Jeffries played professional football for two years. The Tiger Club of Kansas City honored him in 1996 for his dedication to MU.
