Bulldogs land Jefferson

Before strongside defensive end A.J. Jefferson of Summit (Miss.) North Pike visited Mississippi State this weekend, it looked like his recruitment would go down to the wire. But after spending two days in Starkville, he apparently is ready to shut things down.

"I committed to State" Jefferson told Rivals.com on Sunday.

According to Jefferson, a three-star prospect and the state's No. 6 player, he no longer will take previously scheduled visits this coming week to Southern Miss and Ole Miss. Only two weeks ago, the 6-feet-4, 240-pounder said the Rebels had made up significant ground and were "even" with the Bulldogs.

"They were pushing hard," Jefferson said.

Jefferson said he didn't have to visit Southern Miss or Ole Miss again because "I don't see the need. I've been to both places a bunch of times. I've gotten to know the coaches."

Jefferson's official to Mississippi State had a lot to do with the Bulldogs securing his pledge.

"It went great, man," Jefferson said. "I had a good time hanging out with the players. They were cool. They're just like me. I think I'll fit in real good there. I pretty much just wanted to get in and see how I'd fit in. I already liked the school from the get go. It's great man. I'm friends with a bunch of the commits."

Not long after Saturday turned into Sunday, Jefferson Tweeted that he would be a Bulldog.

"It just hit me at that moment," he said. "I sent a text to [defensive coordinator Chris Wilson] last night."

Sunday morning, Jefferson met with head coach Dan Mullen.

"He was excited," Jefferson recalled. "He asked me about other visits. He was like, 'If you're fully committed, you don't need to go on other visits.' We also talked about other stuff. I'm glad I got [the commitment] off my shoulders."

Jefferson, who competed in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, thinks he will have the opportunity to play early in Starkville.

"Coach Wilson said he's not going to promise me anything," Jefferson said. "He said, 'You're going to have a chance.' It's all on me. But I'm a fast leaner."

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at Keithrivals@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.