The Kansas City Chiefs‘ decision to call Jeffrey Bassa’s name in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was the culmination of years of production, leadership, and unwavering preparation.
As part of one of the program’s strongest defensive stretches in recent memory, the ex-Oregon Ducks linebacker played an important role, and his dedication to work carried him through the transition from college star to NFL rookie.
College Career at Oregon
Jeffrey Bassa, whose birthplace was Salt Lake City, became known in Oregon for his versatility and physicality. The Ducks saw him make 138 total tackles (86 solo), 17.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, four interceptions, and 10 pass breakups during his time there. From the beginning, his impact was apparent. Bassa’s first two seasons saw him make 110 tackles, and one notable moment was when he returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown against Texas Tech.
He was recognized as Second-team All-Pac-12 and Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP in his junior year for his nine-tackle performance against Liberty. Oregon’s undefeated regular season was a result of Bassa helping them capture a Big Ten Championship during his senior season.
He was a member of the All-Big Ten honorable mention and finished the year with 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, and Lombardi Award were all prestigious watch lists for him due to his leadership and consistency.
Preparing for the NFL with AUE Performance
Bassa was already on the NFL’s radar with a résumé like that. The transition from college to the professional game requires more than just recognition. Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, the founder of AUE Performance, was involved in that.
Ume-Ezeoke, known for developing NFL-ready athletes through customized training, collaborated closely with Bassa in the months leading up to the draft and the NFL Combine, emphasizing the subtle details that would benefit athletes on Sundays.
âThe first thing that stood out was his rangeâJeff moves like a defensive back, but heâs built with the physicality to play in the box,â Ame-ezeoke told Heavy.com. âHis hips, change of direction, and short-area quickness were elite. The area we targeted for growth was his hand violence and block deconstruction at the point of attack. At the NFL level, heâd be dealing with much more physical interior linemen, and he needed to anchor without sacrificing mobility.â
Bassa was a perfect fit for Kansas City’s defensive vision because of his unique blend of range and toughness. The Chiefs, having recently won multiple playoff games and determined to rebuild their defense, valued his ability to cover ground in space while also excelling in the trenches.
Bassa’s anticipation, block-shedding ability, and communication skills were enhanced by training with Ume-Ezeoke, which are common factors for rookies who earn early playing time instead of learning from the sidelines.
Role with the Kansas City Chiefs
Bassa is expected to have an immediate impact on special teams and subpackages when he arrives in Kansas City. The Chiefs value, versatility, and his background as a linebacker who moves like a defensive back gives him an advantageous position to cover tight ends and running backs from the backfield. Still, Augustine Ume-Ezeoke believes Bassa’s long-term potential goes well beyond a rotational role.
âJeff has the tools to become the heartbeat of that linebacker corps,â Ame-ezeoke said. âEarly on, heâll make his name on special teams and sub-packages, but long-term? I see a true three-down player who can run, hit, cover, and lead. The Chiefs value smart, fast, physical defendersâand thatâs exactly what Jeff is.â
What to Watch and Lessons for the Future
Augustine Ume–Ezeoke advises Chiefs fans to pay close attention to the subtle details of Bassa’s game.
âWatch his anticipationâhow quickly he keys run vs. pass. Watch his closing speed when he sees daylight. And pay attention to the way he communicatesâsubtle checks, hand signals, adjusting gaps. That kind of polish doesnât happen by accident.â
Bassa’s journey also offers guidance to the next generation of defenders seeking to leap to the NFL. Ume-Ezeoke asserts that success isn’t a matter of pursuing highlight-reel plays or raw athleticism, but rather a matter of steady, intentional growth.
âDonât just chase highlight reelsâchase consistency. Study the game like itâs your job, because it will be. And when you show up to train, bring effort, humility, and purpose. Thatâs what Jeff did, and thatâs why heâs where he is.â
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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