By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

April 15, 2009

Chula Vista (Calif.) Eastlake star Tony Jefferson is one of the top prospects on the West Coast.  Jefferson has been a varsity starter since the mid-point of his freshman season.  He has played a combination outside linebacker/strong safety-type position.

The ESPNU 150 Watch List standout made 88 tackles including four sacks during his junior season.  He had 12 tackles for loss and intercepted two passes as Eastlake finished with an 8-3 record.

Jefferson, who is being recruited as a strong safety, recently committed to play in the Under Armour All-American Game after originally opting for the U.S. Army All American Game.

“I have 23 (scholarship) offers,” Jefferson said.  “I’ve tried to narrow it down.  I thought I had a top five before, but I changed it.”

What caused Jefferson to change his top five? A scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions.

“Penn State offered,” Jefferson said.  “I put them in my top five.  It’s an unstable top five.  It’s USC, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia and Penn State.  They have all offered.”

When asked why he moved the Nittany Lions into his top five, Jefferson said, “Penn State is a prestigious school.  I could see myself playing there.  Coach (Joe) Paterno is legendary.  Penn State goes to bowl games.  They just played in the Rose Bowl.”

Penn State replaced UCLA in Jefferson’s top five.

At one time, Jefferson committed to Stanford, doing so on Sept. 1, 2008.  He later de-committed.

“I like the program, but I didn’t feel like I belong there,” Jefferson said.

Jefferson has never been to Penn State, but that is going to change.

“I’ll take an official visit to Penn State,” he said.

USC is considered the favorite to land Jefferson, but Penn State assistant Kermit Buggs is hoping to pull off an upset and land the talented defender.

To check out Scouts, Inc.'s evaluation of Jefferson, click here.