Business School as Important as Football for No. 1 2017 Safety Jeffrey Okudah

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — If Jeffrey Okudah doesn't fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL, he fully expects to be the best entrepreneur around. Choosing a college will play a major role in his ambition.

The nation's No. 1 safety in the 2017 class gets it. Playing professional football isn't a guarantee, no matter where a player is ranked or how many stars or offers he has. Building a future is key, and using his degree effectively is something Okudah is making a top priority.

But with all that said, don't think football is just another avenue for an education. Okudah—the Grand Prairie, Texas, standout with 30 offers—is one of the hardest-working players in his class, and his work ethic could make him a next-level star immediately.

"I'm looking for a school that can develop a DB to the next level, a school that has that tradition and one that has that established network for a player to succeed in life after football is over," said Okudah, who is a leader on and off the field for South Grand Prairie High School. "I want to major in business and marketing."

Credit: 247Sports

It's noteworthy that the 6'1 ½", 200-pound athlete has academics so high on his priority. For the casual recruiting fan, it adds to the fact that Okudah is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. In addition to being a standout defensive back, he also caught 19 passes for 460 yards—an average of 24.2 yards per catch—and six touchdowns for South Grand Prairie last season.

Okudah's next steps in finding a college take place next week when he begins his unofficial visit schedule for the summer. Okudah said he will travel to Tennessee and Ohio State beginning Wednesday and running through the rest of the week.

From there, he will venture west and take in USC and UCLA beginning June 24.

"Right now, I'm just taking things month by month," he said.

Okudah said he is viewing all of his offers equally. He has a Michigan offer and was in attendance for the Showtyme Elite Football Camp, which featured the Michigan coaching staff and head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Okudah had a chance to chat with Harbaugh and has a newfound respect for the energetic head coach, who was active throughout the day camp.

"This is the first time I've had a chance to sit and speak with the Michigan coaches, so that was pretty big-time," Okudah said. "It kind of moved them up on my list, but as far as the whole picture, they're up there with all the other schools right now."

Okudah said he hasn't compiled any lists or even trimmed his offer list in half yet. He added that could happen after taking summer visits, but he's in no rush at the moment.

If anything, he wants to just get out to schools, get to know coaches he hasn't met and see the facilities and overall environments various campuses have to offer.

He also wants to make sure that the business schools are solid.

"That's important, man. Real important," he said.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles