Kiffin generated further controversy when he told wide receiver recruit Alshon Jeffery that if Jeffery chose the Gamecocks, "he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life like all the other players from that state who had gone to South Carolina." Jeffery went on to sign with the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, became the second round, 45th pick overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, and, subsequently, a member of the Super Bowl LII champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Kiffin denied making the statement, however the incident was corroborated by Jeffery's high school coach Walter Wilson, who was listening to Kiffin's remarks on speakerphone.