Former Patriots receiver Shawn Jefferson's son, Van Jefferson, is at the NFL Combine and would love to play for the Patriots.

INDIANAPOLIS – Van Jefferson doesn't have any memories from his family's time in New England. His mom remembers the cold weather. His father, Shawn Jefferson, certainly has fond memories from playing four of his 13 NFL seasons with the Patriots.

The younger Jefferson entered the NFL Combine this week hoping to add to his father's football legacy.

“My dad taught me a lot,” said Jefferson, who played at Florida. “He's been a pivotal part of my life. I'm here today because of him.”

Shawn Jefferson played with the Patriots from 1996-1999 as one of the team's top receivers. He was second on the Pats that first season with 50 receptions for 771 yards. In 1997, he led the team with 54 receptions for 841 yards. He was second on the Pats again in 1997 with 771 yards and 1999 with 698 yards. He turned to coaching after that and is currently the receivers coach for the New York Jets.

As you could except from a son of coach, the younger Jefferson is known for his route running. He said he studies Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and some draft pundits say this 6-foot-1 receiver might end up playing in the slot in the NFL.

As for the Patriots, Jefferson met with the team during the Senior Bowl. He said it would be incredible to play for the Pats after the success his dad had in Foxboro.

“Yeah, to play with a team my dad played for or if Tom Brady comes back, just playing with him and playing with N'Keal Harry and Julian Edelman, that'd be great,” Jefferson said. “My dad played for them. Playing for a team my dad played for would make it that much better.”

mdaniels@providnecejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ