CeCe Jefferson Announces Final 4: Where Will 5-Star Playmaker Sign?

The list of potential landing spots for CeCe Jefferson continues to dwindle.

Jefferson, a prized 2015 defensive end prospect, is prepared to choose between four SEC programs on national signing day:

LSU is noticeably absent from the list of choices. The Tigers hosted him this past weekend, representing his final official visit of a frenzied recruiting experience.

The 6'2", 275-pound playmaker is rated second nationally among strong-side defensive ends and seventh overall in 247Sports' composite rankings. He secured 40.5 sacks through his first three campaigns at Baker County High School in Florida, per USA Today, before missing most of the 2014 season with a shoulder injury. 

His skill set and size indicate a strong chance for immediate playing time in college, depending on how his recovery progresses.

Jefferson grew up in a Gator-friendly environment. He has a long relationship with the program as both a fan and recruit. 

He received an offer from Florida as an underclassman, when each of his finalists extended scholarships. 

“He understands this whole recruiting thing. I guess because he’s been highly recruited since his ninth grade year," Baker county coach Tom McPherson told Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel. "I think he has a big future ahead of him. I project him to do a lot of big things no matter where he goes.”

Florida has remained diligent in this pursuit, despite its recent coaching change. Jim McElwain and his staff have made Jefferson a top priority since inheriting the program and throughout the final push toward signing day.

Credit: 247Sports

Former Florida coach Will Muschamp is the one who cultivated Jefferson's recruitment in Gainesville. Now the defensive coordinator at Auburn, he continues to chase after the talented edge-rusher. 

Muschamp is also targeting Florida defensive standouts Jeffery Holland and Byron Cowart, who both joined Jefferson at Auburn during a weekend in mid-January. Though it still seems improbable, the trio could become a "package deal" with either the Tigers or Gators for years to come.

“In order to change a program you can’t do it alone,” Jefferson told First Coast News (via USA Today). “We trust each other and we just came to the conclusion that if we are going to go in with anybody why not be us three.”

If they ultimately go their separate ways, Ole Miss and Alabama become more likely destinations. 

The Crimson Tide currently hold the nation's No. 1 recruiting class. Nick Saban's latest haul includes 5-star defensive tackle Daron Payne, and Alabama is already home to a stockpile of elite perimeter talent along the front edge.

Jefferson traveled to Tuscaloosa in December. The team followed that interaction by sending both offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart for an in-person visit last month. 

Ole Miss has managed to remain a stealth top contender in this pursuit, and I view it as an overlooked favorite among Jefferson's finalists. His rapport with the program is strong, and he certainly appreciates campus life, evidenced by multiple visits to The Grove.

He named the Rebels his leader in late December leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

"I would say Ole Miss is my top school right now," Jefferson told Barton Simmons of 247Sports. "I took my official when they played Bama and it was like no other. They treated me well. The program's great. The guys are great and I just know if I go there I'll get taken care of."

Nearly five weeks removed from those comments, our anticipation remains the same.

The news will hurt to accept on three other campuses within the conference, but the future SEC star should give Oxford a reason to celebrate on signing day.

Recruit info and ratings courtesy of 247Sports.