Revisiting Lane Kiffin’s “Pumping Gas” Quip to South Carolina Legend

College football is no stranger to heated rivalries, controversial comments, and memorable moments that fuel the sport’s passionate fan base. One such moment that still lingers in the minds of South Carolina fans is Lane Kiffin’s infamous “pumping gas” quip directed at Gamecock legend Alshon Jeffery during his recruitment process.

At the time, Kiffin was the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, and his comment was intended as a jab at South Carolina’s football program. However, in hindsight, the remark has aged poorly, considering Jeffery’s remarkable career in college and the NFL. Let’s revisit this controversial moment, its impact on recruiting, and how it serves as a cautionary tale in college football history.

In 2009, Alshon Jeffery was a highly sought-after wide receiver prospect from St. Matthews, South Carolina. He was one of the top recruits in the country, with multiple powerhouse programs vying for his commitment, including Tennessee, South Carolina, and USC (Southern California).

During the recruiting process, then-Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin reportedly told Jeffery that if he chose South Carolina over Tennessee, he would be “pumping gas” for a living instead of making it to the NFL. The implication was clear—Kiffin believed that playing for Tennessee would give Jeffery a better chance at professional success, while South Carolina would lead him to obscurity.

This kind of trash talk is not uncommon in the world of recruiting, where coaches aggressively pitch their programs to young athletes. However, Kiffin’s words would ultimately come back to haunt him in a major way.

Alshon Jeffery did not let Kiffin’s words sway him. Instead, he remained committed to his home-state Gamecocks, signing with South Carolina and playing under head coach Steve Spurrier. What followed was one of the most impressive careers in school history.

• Freshman Season (2009): Jeffery made an immediate impact, recording 763 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He quickly established himself as one of the top young receivers in the SEC.
• Sophomore Season (2010): Jeffery exploded onto the national stage, racking up 1,517 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He was named a Biletnikoff Award finalist and helped lead South Carolina to an SEC East title.
• Junior Season (2011): Though his production dipped slightly due to quarterback inconsistency, Jeffery still managed 762 yards and eight touchdowns. He capped off his college career with a legendary performance in the Capital One Bowl, hauling in a 78-yard touchdown and earning game MVP honors.

By the time Jeffery left for the NFL, he had cemented his place as one of the best receivers in South Carolina history. He finished his career second in school history in receiving yards (3,042) and touchdowns (23).

If Kiffin’s claim was that Jeffery would never make it to the NFL by choosing South Carolina, he was dead wrong. In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Jeffery in the second round. He quickly became one of the league’s top receivers, forming a formidable duo with Brandon Marshall.

• Pro Bowl Selection (2013): Jeffery had a breakout season, recording 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl.
• Super Bowl Champion (2017): After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeffery played a key role in their historic Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots. He caught a crucial touchdown pass from Nick Foles, helping the Eagles secure their first-ever Lombardi Trophy.

Jeffery’s success in the NFL made Kiffin’s comments look even more ridiculous in hindsight. Not only did he make it to the league, but he also thrived at the highest level, winning a Super Bowl ring—a feat Kiffin himself has yet to accomplish as a coach.

At the time of the “pumping gas” comment, Lane Kiffin was known for his brash personality, controversial statements, and tendency to rub people the wrong way. His tenure at Tennessee lasted just one season before he abruptly left for the head coaching job at USC, further damaging his reputation.

Since then, however, Kiffin has undergone a transformation in his coaching career. After successful stints as Alabama’s offensive coordinator and head coach at FAU, he landed the head coaching job at Ole Miss, where he has turned the Rebels into an SEC contender.

While Kiffin still enjoys trolling opponents and engaging in playful trash talk, he has matured as a coach and is widely respected for his offensive genius. It’s unlikely that the current version of Kiffin would make the same mistake he did back in 2009.

The Alshon Jeffery-Lane Kiffin saga serves as an important lesson in college football recruiting. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Never Underestimate a Player’s Potential
   • Coaches often make bold claims during recruiting, but writing off a player’s future can backfire. Jeffery used Kiffin’s words as motivation and proved him completely wrong.
2. Recruiting Trash Talk Can Have Long-Term Consequences
   • Kiffin’s remark was meant to sway Jeffery to Tennessee, but instead, it became a lasting stain on his recruiting history. Words spoken to a recruit can follow a coach for years.
3. South Carolina’s Program Can Produce NFL Talent
   • Jeffery’s career is a testament to South Carolina’s ability to develop NFL-caliber players. The Gamecocks have since produced other elite talents, such as Jadeveon Clowney, Deebo Samuel, and Stephon Gilmore.
4. Success is the Best Revenge
   • Jeffery didn’t need to respond to Kiffin’s words—his play on the field did the talking. Winning a Super Bowl and having a long NFL career was the ultimate rebuttal.

Lane Kiffin’s “pumping gas” quip remains one of the most infamous recruiting misfires in recent college football history. In the end, Alshon Jeffery had the last laugh, proving that talent and determination matter far more than a coach’s opinion.

While Kiffin has since evolved into one of college football’s most intriguing figures, this moment serves as a reminder that no coach can predict the future. Jeffery’s story is one of perseverance, success, and proving the doubters wrong—a story that South Carolina fans will always cherish.