Darnell Jefferies Sees Excellence Everywhere in Tuscaloosa

Alabama hosted many top prospects Saturday and one was 2018 defensive tackle Darnell Jefferies. The 6-foot-4, 271 pound junior out of Covington (Ga.) Newton entered the visit without an offer, but he left with one. That was big news for Jefferies.

"I had a meeting with coach [Nick] Saban and he offered me," said Jefferies. "He said that he wants me at Alabama and that he wants me back in the spring and to get over there as much as I can. He let me know I am a priority."

The offer from Alabama came as no surprise. Jefferies has been one of the hottest prospects in the Peach State. He has added offers from Auburn, Georgia, Louisville and West Virginia recently.

The visit to Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Saturday was visit No. 2 there for Jefferies. He was at the Iron Bowl in November, so he saw a great game then, but he got more of a look at how things go day-to-day look on this trip.

"We all got a complete tour of the academic center, the weight room and the practice fields. We also got to have discussions with the player panel and I met with coach Saban and coach [Karl] Dunbar (defensive line)."

Alabama is known for winning since Saban took over as head coach in 2007. Jefferies got a good look at the facilities and the structure there, which showed him how Alabama has had that level of success.

He now has the offer. He knows he is now a target and Alabama is a school he is considering.

"I have to say that I am honored and grateful to have an offer from Alabama," said Jefferies. "To have your hard work recognized by one of the greatest coaches is big.

"It is too early for me to have favorites, but I liked it at Alabama. The level of excellence the complete feeling of winning is everywhere there."