Sam Webb: Recruiting

Michigan back in picture for heavy hitter Tony Jefferson

As one of the top players in the talent-rich state of California, Chula Vista Eastlake High standout Tony Jefferson had the recruiting world at his feet last summer. Major programs from across the country ventured west with hopes of pulling him away from the Golden State.

Those hopes were dashed, however, when he decided to cut the process short by committing to UCLA in late July. Many thought that spelled the end of the four-star prospect's recruitment, but a number of his suitors -- including Michigan -- refused to concede defeat.

The Maize and Blue had been among Jefferson's chief pursuers prior to his pledge to the Bruins. The 6-foot, 200-pounder emerged in the spring as one Michigan's earliest Left Coast targets.

"They said they are in need of a player like me," Jefferson said in April after he received his Michigan offer. "They said I could play early at whatever position they think I could play -- outside linebacker, safety, or even offense. They liked my (physicality). That's what Michigan recruits."

A few months later the Wolverines further established just what a priority Jefferson was by making it out to his school unannounced.

"It was a surprise," he recalled. "They were saying there were going to come, then I stepped into my PE class and (Michigan assistant Tony Dews) was sitting right there. He said I'm one of their top recruits. A lot of schools want a lot of people, and then some schools need people. He told me they need me. They're telling me I could possibly be a safety (hybrid). It was basically stuff I want to hear (laughing)."

'I bring the wood'

Programs like USC, Florida, Notre Dame, Miami, Oklahoma and Penn State offered similar praise, and with good reason. This two-way threat routinely obliterates opponents on the football field. That might sound like recruiting hyperbole to some, but it's anything but to those that have actually observed Jefferson in action. Even a cursory glance at his highlight film reveals a walking pain dispenser. Jefferson plays with the hammer vs. nail mentality, and as his opponents will attest, he is never the nail.

"I bring the wood," Jefferson told Scout.com. "I was always known as the hardest hitter when I was little. My dad and older brother would antagonize me and kept on me to hit hard. I can also cover. I bring excitement to the team and get everyone pumped up."

He added later: "Offensively, I think I'm a hard runner. You see me going through holes real hard instead of (doing) what a lot of backs do -- get to the hole and try to put on a move. I just run through the hole and try to run through somebody. Defensively, I'm coming at you 100 percent. Whoever has got the ball, I'm coming at you."

According to Scout.com director of scouting Scott Kennedy, Jefferson's blend of size, speed, power and attitude could legitimately translate to success at a number of positions when he gets to college.

"As a running back, he has the ability to play on the next level if that were his passion," Kennedy said. "His style reminds me a bit of another two-way star, only this one stayed on offense, USC's Stafon Johnson."

On defense, Kennedy adds, "Jefferson is agile enough to remain at safety, and he's big and physical enough to play a linebacker on the next level. The key to Jefferson is just to get him on campus and worry about his position later."

Until recently the question of where to play this versatile prospect was only UCLA's concern. That changed in early October, when Jefferson informed many of his initial suitors that they were receiving a reprieve. Michigan was among the handful of schools that he decided to reconsider, thanks in large part to its persistent courtship even after his commitment.

"Probably about a month or two ago we started talking again," Jefferson said. "I just want to make sure that I'm making the right choice. I was supposed to come to Michigan on Nov. 7 against Purdue, but there was no redeye flight out there. We rescheduled it to Nov. 21 against Ohio State. I'm going to Florida on the 28th against Florida State. For Miami, I still don't officially know the date."

Sooners' state

Jefferson, who has also mentioned plans of officially visiting UCLA, traveled to Oklahoma last weekend and reported having an "awesome time." Combine that with the commitment of his friend (and former Michigan recruit), San Diego Scripps Ranch running back Brennan Clay, and the Sooners' chances appear to have received a significant boost.

The Wolverines must make an equally strong impression next weekend if they are to keep pace. One thing Michigan really has going for it is the opportunity for early playing time.

"First of all, I want to play when I get there," Jefferson told Scout.com. "If it's going to take a redshirt year, that's OK too."

He added: "I'm looking for a strong engineering program because that's what I want to do."

One of the factors that initially weighed heavily in favor of the Bruins was proximity. Recently, though, Jefferson began to reevaluate its significance.

"It was (important) at first," he said about being close to home. "But it's ultimately up to me and I just want to go out and check (other schools) out."

Once the visits conclude in the coming weeks it won't take long for Jefferson to determine his final destination. He plans to enroll in the school he commits to in January.

"My decision to graduate early is so that I can get to school, adapt early, and get acclimated to the playbook, the coaches, and how everything works," Jefferson explained. "If you want to play early, it's up to you on how you handle that. Every true freshman wants to play, but it's up to them to make it happen. I've been working really hard in the weight room. I'm just trying to be prepared for the college lifestyle so when the time comes, I'll be ready to compete."

Sam Webb is managing editor of GoBlueWolverine.com and co-host of the "Michigan Insider" morning show weekdays on Sports Talk 1050 WTKA.