Alabama moves from imaginary place to contender for four-star WR
Amari Jefferson, four-star wide receiver from the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has visited Alabama twice in the last two months. He is scheduled to return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit June 9-11. The Tennessee baseball commitment opens up about his serious interest in the Crimson Tide, where things currently stand in his recruitment and when a decision is expected.
Jefferson committed to the Volunteers’ baseball program in June 2021, way before offers from the nation’s top football programs started to arrive. Georgia extended an offer last summer. Alabama offered on March 4. He trimmed the list of 24 offers to a dozen on March 28.
The list included Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The three schools have often been mentioned as it pertains to the top contenders in Jefferson’s recruitment. He has high interest in the three schools, and may ultimately decide between the SEC foes, but also will not shut the door on the other schools on the list.
“I don’t even know where I am going, honestly,” Jefferson said. “Obviously, I am committed to Tennessee for baseball, but that happened after my freshman year before I ever played a varsity football game.
“Those three are up there for me. Georgia has been recruiting me the longest and probably the hardest. Alabama has been recruiting me hard as well since February. Tennessee’s recruitment of me has picked up in the last few months as well.”
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Alabama is a realistic option for Jefferson
Alabama hosted Jefferson for a first unofficial visit on September 17 (vs. Louisiana-Monroe). He returned for Junior Day March 4 where he received the scholarship offer from Coach Saban. The upcoming fourth trip to Tuscaloosa doesn’t indicate Alabama’s current position, but it does showcase a high interest in the Tide’s program.
The chance to return on April 15, the weekend prior to the A-Day game, was something Jefferson wanted to do with his father. It was an opportunity to see Alabama practice, spend time with coaches and players prior to the official visit.
“It just felt like an imaginary place,” Jefferson said after the years of watching Alabama compete on national TV. “The coaches are just normal guys, and the players are cool college students. They have won so much over the years you don’t see the human side of the program.”
Jefferson intends to play football and baseball at the next level. The contenders in his recruitment have given him the green light to play both sports including Alabama. Jefferson added Coach Saban is fully behind the decision.
“Baseball is key for me,” he said. “I would like to try and play both. Coach Saban is fine with it. He actually encouraged it.”
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Receiver tradition playing a major factor
Amari Jefferson photo shoot at Alabama.
Coach Saban may allow Jefferson to shift to baseball during the spring, but he is recruiting him because of his abilities on the football field. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete had 72 receptions for 1,370 yards and 17 touchdowns during the 2022 season. Alabama has developed several elite receivers including many current NFL stars and even a Heisman Trophy winner at the position. It’s not a hard sell for recruits to have strong interest in the program.
“Coach Saban spoke about the tradition of the receiver room at Alabama,” Jefferson said. “He talked about my ability to make moves and get to top speed quickly. Coach Saban is very personable and business-like. He knows exactly what is happening on the field. He has unmatched knowledge of the game. It was obvious while watching practice.
“The recent history of the receiver position is impressive. I know I can be like one of those guys from recent history. The recent history is one reason Bama is at the top of list of programs I am considering.”
There are a few other reasons for Jefferson’s high interest in Alabama. He noted the relationship with area recruiter, Joe Cox, and wide receivers coach, Holmon Wiggins. He also mentioned the ability to earn a degree (Alabama’s APR score released on Wednesday was 995-first in the SEC and fourth nationally).
Coach Cox visited Jefferson’s school on Tuesday. Alabama has remained in “constant communication.” There are two wide receiver commitments in the Tide’s class- Perry Thompson and Rico Scott. Jefferson is not concerned as he said, “You gotta compete regardless of what school you pick.”
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Four-star athlete ready to begin official visits
Other schools also have wide receiver commitments including Georgia (3) and Tennessee (1). It’s not a factor for Jefferson, and he recognizes each school hopes to sign him. The future decision, which he expects to make before the season, will rely heavily on how well the official visits go this summer.
“I have never been on an official visit,” Jefferson said. “I am not exactly sure what to expect. My family and I will be making a list of topics that are important to us. We will review it after visiting all the schools so we can make a choice.
“I am excited about getting to see all ‘Bama has to offer. I have only been to one-day events with parts of my family. My mom and dad will get to see all Bama has to offer over the course of the weekend.”
Jefferson will not graduate early. He will complete his senior baseball season next spring. The visits to Alabama indicate serious interest and a possible future home. It’s been a fun experience thus far. His family will enjoy the next few months while also preparing for a lifelong decision.
“It’s been awesome,” he said. “I’ve gotten a chance to meet people and see place I never thought possible. The opportunity to choose a place like ‘Bama or Georgia is rare to play sports. People dream about this opportunity and I am extremely blessed to be in this spot. I am more so grateful for the journey.”
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