5 Reasons 5-Star DE CeCe Jefferson Will Sign with Florida

CeCe Jefferson is a 5-star defensive end from Florida who has a great skill set. At 6'2" and 250 pounds, Jefferson is an explosive edge-defender who can blow by offensive tackles and quickly hunt quarterbacks.

He also has the strength, power and toughness to set the edge versus running plays before anchoring and shedding to make stops. Jefferson is one of the best defensive players in the country, and he has a lot of heavyweights after him.

However, he is expected to ultimately sign with Florida, according to the experts at 247Sports. Here are five reasons why those predictions will indeed come true.

All recruiting ratings and rankings are from 247Sports.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.

SEC Competition

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With Florida being a member of the SEC, Jefferson will be able to play on college football's biggest stage. 

The SEC is the country's best conference, and it's the closest league to the NFL in college football. Not many recruits turn down the opportunity to compete in the fierce SEC, and by signing with Florida, Jefferson has the opportunity to play against the best competition in the nation. 

Talented Roster and NFL Defensive Linemen

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Florida is one of the elite recruiting schools in the country, so the Gators are not short on talent. Jefferson would be surrounded with many other excellent football players in Gainesville.

Another reason he will sign with Florida is the fact that the Gators do put their best defensive linemen in the NFL. All recruits look at a prospective school's NFL pedigree at their specific position, and Florida has a good one for defensive linemen.

Recent Gators who played in the defensive trenches and went on to play in the NFL or will be soon include players such as Jevon Kearse (currently inactive), Alex Brown (retired), Sharrif Floyd of the Minnesota Vikings and NFL prospects Ronald Powell and Dominique Easley.

Defensive Scheme Fit

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At 6'2" and 250 pounds, Jefferson has the ability to play defensive end or outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

Florida runs a scheme that's similar to the 3-4, which Jefferson is a perfect fit for. He can play with his hand down or standing up as a "Buck," plus he has the strength and growth potential to develop into a defensive tackle/end for the Gators.

Proximity to Home

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Jefferson attends Baker County High School in Glen Saint Mary, which is not far from Florida's campus in Gainesville. 

Signing with the Gators would mean Jefferson wouldn't have to travel far away, plus he could go home on a frequent basis. His family and friends would also be able to see him play in person.

There's nothing like home, or staying close to it.

Grew Up a Florida Fan

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The Gators receive exceptional support from their fans, and they've been admired by a 5-star defensive end for a long time.

Jefferson grew up a fan of the Gators, according to a report by Blake Alderman of InsidetheGators.com. The chance to play for the school he grew up rooting for will be too hard for Jefferson to pass up.

He'll be a Gator by the end of national signing day in 2015.

Alderman wrote on March 22:

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In the past many people have pegged Jefferson to the Florida Gators due to his growing up a fan of the Orange & Blue. The Rivals100 big man is well aware of the rumors and didn't exactly shut the door on his fandom being a factor. 

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Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.