ESPN West recruiting Blog

Posted by Greg Biggins

Athlete Tony Jefferson (Chula Vista, Calif./Eastlake) is one of the top defensive players in the West region. He recently set up his first two official visits and knows where his final three visits will be as well.

Jefferson is a standout linebacker-safety but said he's being recruited exclusively at safety right now. He just started summer school on Wednesday and plans to graduate a semester early and enroll at his school of choice in January.

"I have my first two visits lined up right now," Jefferson said. "I'm going to Florida (Sept. 18) and Oklahoma (Nov. 13). My last three visits will be to Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State and I'll do unofficial visits to USC and UCLA.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing these out of state schools because I've heard so much about them but have never visited anywhere outside of the in-state schools. Right now, I'm open to all of them and no one leads right now. My trips and how the teams do on the field this year will play a big role."

Early playing time is another big factor for Jefferson.

"I want to go somewhere and play as a true freshman," Jefferson said. "The only school I'm not sure I'll be able to do that at because of how much safety depth they have is USC. They were my big early leader but I'm opening things back up now and giving all the schools a real, hard look.

"I like what all the schools are telling me and UCLA is coming on strong too. So this is going to be a really tough decision for me. I thought it would be easy but not anymore and with me graduating early, I don't have as much time to figure it all out."