Draft prospect Jefferies powered by insatiable work ethic

PHOENIX — At 4:30 a.m., most people are sound asleep. That’s because there’s not a whole lot else to do at 4:30 in the morning, and because most people don’t have the insane drive and work ethic that Cal right-hander Daulton Jefferies does.

“I’m not the normal college kid,” Jefferies said, an understatement for a multitude of reasons.

The 20-year-old right-hander is armed with a low-to-mid 90s fastball, slider and changeup. While Jefferies’ repertoire and command are impressive, it’s his drive that sets him apart.

“I think my work ethic is pretty disgusting,” Jefferies said. “If you ask anybody on the team, they’ll say I have the best work ethic on the team. I may not be as big and strong as these guys, but I have the ability to outwork them all.”

Jefferies, No. 45 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Draft Prospects rankings, wakes up every morning at 4:30 and is at the athletic facilities around 5:30 a.m. getting treatment, working out and preparing for the next time he takes the mound.

“I figure if I wake up at 4:30, I don’t think any other pitcher in the Pac-12 is waking up at 4:30 to do extra work, so I feel like that’s a win for me,” Jefferies said.

The early routine seems to be working as Cal’s ace is 6-0 with a 1.29 ERA on the year. He’s struck out 47 and walked just six in 42 innings.

“He’s an unbelievable preparer,” Cal head coach David Esquer said. “He’s physically prepared, mentally prepared, he’s a creature of routine and it pays off for him. He’s …

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