2018 Four-Star DL Adds ND Offer and Looks to Visit

The offers were rolling out at a rapid pace once again this week for the 2018 prospects and even the 2019 prospects.

Defensive coordinator Mike Elko made sure he made an impression when he offered 2018 Newton (Ga.) defensive tackle Darnell Jefferies on Thursday.

"Coach Elko said I was a dominant player," Jefferies told Irish Sports Daily. "He told me I fit perfectly into their attacking defensive front."

The 6-foot-4, 271-pounder doesn't know much about the program overall, but the four-star prospect has watched the Irish play growing up.

"I followed the Irish a lot when Manti Te'o played there," stated Jefferies. "They are a great team with a lot of tradition."

The Georgia native is seeing his offer list grow by the day as Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Louisville, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and West Virginia have all offered recently.

Jefferies plans to get out on the road to see the schools that have offered him and a few programs to try and earn an offer.

"I will be at Clemson on Saturday," said Jefferies. "I plan to visit Notre Dame, Oregon and Virginia Tech in the spring. I also plan to spend time at Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Alabama this summer along with a few other schools."

Academics and playing time are at the top of the list of things Jefferies is looking for, and Notre Dame has both available.

"I want a school with a great football tradition and strong academics," explained Jefferies. "I also want a school that will give me a chance to compete to play early."

When it comes to a decision, the Newton star plans to take his time and is in no hurry to make a commitment.

"I don't have any schools that stand out right now," said Jefferies. "I want to be making a decision around National Signing Day."