Athens LB commits to SMU

Athens (Texas) 2014 outside linebacker Chris Jefferson committed to SMU on Saturday, the same day that he was on the Hilltop with his family for an unofficial visit.

"I contacted coach Hill and told him that I was going to come down and look at SMU," said Jefferson. "Me and my family looked around and I fell in love with it.

"I like SMU a lot," said Jefferson. "I've been following them since I was a kid. I've been an SMU and Texas fan since I was little."

The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder decided to give the Mustangs a verbal commitment for multiple reasons.

"One of the reasons is because it's close to home. Another is because the way they came at me. They were really interested in me. It was a dream come true actually. I wanted to go to a school around here (North Texas). It's just such a great opportunity at such a great school. I got online and checked SMU out. It's going to fit me well."

It's Jefferson's relationship with SMU assistant coach Bert Hill that really had an impact on the soon-to-be senior.

"Coach Hill is a great guy. He's coached with the Detroit Lions and he's on point on everything. He talks to me about academics and stuff. I know after football I'll have to rely on a job. I love football to death but he talks to me about life after football, which is very informative."

The commitment was made by Jefferson but he listened to his father as well, who had been in contact with Hill. Jefferson's dad accompanied with him on the visit to SMU over the weekend.

"My dad has been talking to people at his job about SMU. We have always watched football together. We watched the Hawaii Bowl this past season when that defensive end dominated for SMU. That was wild. He (Margus Hunt) was a monster."

Versatility is a big part of Jefferson's game as he's played multiple positions over the last few years.

"My sophomore year I started out at safety. Last season I moved to outside linebacker because that's where colleges were recruiting me at. I caught onto it real good in our 3-4 defense."

The outside linebacker has recently run a 4.65-40 at his high school and maxed out at 270 on bench and 350 on squats. Now that he knows where he'll be attending college, Jefferson can now concentrate on one program.

"I just want to get to know SMU more. I'm really excited to be a Mustang. I want to get better at my position because I want to make an impact in college. I'm just trying to get better every day."