maybe you can practice with a sleeve or some part of the garment that won't be used in the quilt top and try some of the suggestions.
OR
just tell whoever that the kind of fabric in those jerseys is not suitable for a bed quilt and maybe you could make a wall hanging or pennant instead and make a quilt in his school colors in easier to handle fabric.
OR
suggest she take a quilting class and make it herself -
After all, something MOM made?????