Jefferson plans to take his time

The offers keep coming in and Jalen Jefferson keeps waiting, the Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure athlete in no rush at all to make any kind of college decision.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect who'll probably play safety or outside linebacker in college, told Rivals.com this week he'll most likely not make a commitment until close to National Signing Day in February so he can take official visits and talk about his recruitment with his family.

That has not stopped many big-time schools - most recently California and Arizona - to send offers and many more are showing interest. Jefferson still doesn't know too much about the programs that have offered but since he's in no hurry it's not that big of a deal yet.

"I really don't know that much," Jefferson said about Arizona. "I know it's a real popular college for our students. I've been talking to them for a while. One of their coaches came out to one of our practices and they didn't get my highlight tape yet and then they watched it and offered me right away."

Cal offered Thursday and Jefferson knew about the academic prestige in Berkeley but still had to find out more about the football program. He said Boise State could be next in line to offer. Arizona State, Iowa State, Washington and Washington State are the other programs that have offered.

Southern Cal and Oregon are the top two schools for Jefferson and the Trojans stand out a lot because he's come to know the program over the years. Jefferson said he knows of new coach Lane Kiffin but has not had the chance to talk with him yet.

"SC is basically close to home and they run the same defense and I go to all their games and I go into their locker room after the games so I know them pretty well," he said.

His relationship with Southern Cal could get much closer this summer. Jefferson was one of the top prospects at the recent Los Angeles NIKE Camp and he plans to attend the USC Rising Stars Camp this summer, too.

The Trojans definitely have Jefferson's interest and Oregon is right up there as well. Not only does Jefferson like the coaching staff in Eugene but it's relatively close to home and every prospect raves about the Ducks' athletic facilities. Those are the main reasons why Jefferson is strongly considering Oregon.

"It's pretty much close to home, right on top of California, so my family could come watch the games," Jefferson said. "I like their coaching staff a lot."

Neither USC nor Oregon has offered yet but there's no need for concern. Jefferson has no plans to make a commitment anytime soon.