Jefferson Ignores Stupidity, Focuses on Reaction

When New Orleans Warren Easton three-star linebacker Pernell Jefferson arrived in Norman the 6-foot-3, 232-pound defender things were as they always have been in Norman, Okla. But less than 24 hours after his departure things would be thrown into total chaos.

And immediately the questions of how the fallout from an offensive internet video would effect recruiting flooded Twitter, message boards, and every other venue for Sooner fans to discuss Oklahoma recruiting.

According to Jefferson he has paid much more attention to the reaction of the University and program and one person in particular has caught his attention.

"I didn't pick up on anything, if there was something going on they hid it real well. There wasn't any racism, they treated me as a regular human being," Jefferson said. "By seeing the video, I liked the way the team reacted, how they had the closeness. That made me feel like they really are a family.

"(Bob Stoops) really stood out to me, be the head of the organization, him being involved means a lot. It shows a message that not only the players care about this issue but the head coach is there with them."

Jefferson was joined by his godmother and his girlfriend during the visit and said that both influential women in his life liked what Oklahoma presented not only Jefferson but to each of them.

"They really liked it, they liked how everybody was so friendly. No one made them feel uncomfortable. They liked how they treated the recruits, like they were part of the family. They talked (with his godmother) about the academics and the bowl games of the past.

"It wasn't just what they can do for a player but what they can do for me as a person."

That was a sentiment that Stoops echoed when he had some time to sit down and talk with Jefferson and his two traveling partners.

"He basically talked to me about what I would ask for out of a college. When I first talked to Tim Kish, he was telling me the same thing. I said what I want out of college is to be a better person on the field and be a better person in life. He told me that's perfect because that's what he wants for his football players," he said.

Jefferson, who plans to be at the Dallas Rivals camp on March 29, says that his time in Norman left him feeling like part of the family.

"I liked the all around of Oklahoma, it was a nice place to me, small town. The stores when I went in there I had the Oklahoma shirt on and everybody made me feel like I was already part of the team. I love how the city was so family-oriented," he said.

Though Jefferson didn't know any other players on hand when he arrived, he struck up a friendship with fellow Oklahoma linebacker offer Dontavious Jackson and his Alief Elsik teammate, defensive back Chris Brown.

Some might see two guys competing for the same spot but between Jackson and Jefferson's own former teammate, Arthur McGinnis, he sees an opportunity.

"We actually started off talking as son as we got there, Then we went up to Bob Stoops' office and met him in person," he said.

"I like to have players around me at linebacker. It's not a one-man sport; you're going to need to have more than one guy making plays. With Arthur and Dontavious, I know if I just take care of my job, I'll be fine. I don't have to do too much and try to do other people's jobs.

Throughout his time discussing the visit Jefferson repeatedly brought up the word 'family' but said that it was a conversation with Oklahoma's linebackers coach that really hit home for him.

"Me and Dontavious went into Tim Kish's office and talked with him when that bad tornado hit that had killed people. He took his linebackers up there and they had gone to (Moore) to help clean up after the tornadoes," he said.

It's a story that resonated with Jefferson in particular as he has seen his home devastated as he and his family were living in New Orleans when it was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in late August of 2005.

"My dad stayed, when we got back and you saw everything you didn't know how he survived. Everything was broken, it wasn't really New Orleans," he said.

Through the tragic connection, and beyond, it seems that the Sooners were able to build a real connection with Jefferson. Is it possible his decision timeline could be moved up? Or will he keep everyone in suspense as McGinnis did?

"I might decide a little earlier, I know I'm not going to decide on Signing Day," he said. "And with Arthur, he didn't keep me waiting, I know he is going to Oklahoma."

However, that doesn't mean that Jefferson is ready to shut it down and one Big 12 program is starting to get more and more serious about him.

"Texas Tech, they want me to come up there, that's something I'd have to schedule, we aren't sure yet when we might go though."