2023 CG Kordelius Jefferson talks Houston, Tennessee visits

Kordelius Jefferson has seen his recruitment heat up as he’s started to make a name for himself in the state of Texas. Just over the last two months, the 6-foot-3 combo guard has received offers from Texas A&M, Houston, UNLV, Texas Tech, and Tennessee. To no surprise, the junior prospect is enjoying the process so far.

“It’s been crazy because it’s always been a dream growing up hearing from these type of schools. It’s a dream come true really.”

Born in Mississippi, Jefferson and his family moved to Arlington, Texas when he was in the sixth grade. This past year, he moved to the neighboring city of Fort Worth where he attends Martin High School.

Jefferson is in the middle of competing in his high school playoffs but found the time Monday night to give us an update on his recruitment.

Houston, Tennessee, TCU, and Texas A&M have all hosted the three-star prospect for visits in recent months. He discussed each of those trips with On3.

Jefferson talks ‘crazy’ visit to Houston

This past weekend, Jefferson made the three-and-half hour drive to Houston to see the Cougars unofficially. He was in attendance to see their win over SMU.

“I really enjoyed how hard they play,” Jefferson said. “That’s what I like to do, get after it, like on defense and the other end. They have a lot of dogs. Jamal Shead, guys like that, they get after it on defense and I liked that about it. The atmosphere and environment was crazy.”

Jefferson also mentioned that Houston would like to get him back on campus this summer for an official visit.

Tennessee official visit, relationship with Kennedy Chandler

Jefferson’s first official visit was to the University of Tennessee the weekend of February 12th, as the Vols hosted the junior guard for their home win over Vanderbilt. It’s safe to say, the visit and game did not disappoint.

“Man, it was rocking in there. It was my first SEC visit (for a basketball game) and it was wild. I wasn’t expecting it to be as big as it was. They showed great hospitality and made me feel like I was at home. It’s 17 hours away so they let me know someone’s always got my back down there especially being this far away from my parents.”

During his time down in Knoxville, Jefferson had the opportunity to get acquainted with Tennessee’s star guard Kennedy Chandler.

“When I went down there, me and Kennedy Chandler talked a lot and we got real tight. We were just texting the other day.”

TCU: The local school

TCU has hosted Jefferson many times, as he lives less than 20 minutes from their campus. He gave his thoughts on the Horned Frogs.

“I like TCU a lot too. They have big goals and plans for me too, as they tell me. So I keep them in the equation, especially with it being this close to home. My parents would get to see every game, with it being right down the street.”

Texas A&M: “I’ll be back”

During football season, Jefferson visited Texas A&M unofficially. He enjoyed his time so much that he hopes to make a return visit to College Station.

“It was cool,” Jefferson said. “I went down there with a couple of other recruits. They had us all down there for the Buzz Williams party or something like that. We just chilled, tailgated because there was a football game going on that day. It’s crazy down there too, you know Texas A&M football. They get hype down there. It was great overall too, like the facilities and all that. I want to get back down there, and we’ve been talking about it too. I just talked to coach Lyle (Wolf) the other day, he came to see me. So I’ll be back down there sometime soon.”

Future visits?

Jefferson already has several college visits under his belt but says he would like to see a few more before making a decision. Trips to Texas Tech, Saint Louis, UNLV, and a return trip to Texas A&M are all on the table for discussion.

Additionally, he says Alabama, Clemson, Ole Miss, and Wyoming have started to show interest.

Timetable?

Jefferson’s recruitment is still currently open but he does have somewhat of an idea as to when he will shut it all down and make a decision.

“After summer depending on how things go,” Jefferson said as to when he will make a commitment. “I don’t want to move too fast but I feel like by the time my senior season starts, I’ll know where I want to go.”

What’s Jefferson looking for in a school?

“Really just coming in and letting me be myself and just trying to win games, because that’s really what it’s all about,” he said. “But also help me develop so I can try to get to the next level…just being family. Just being close with people who I know will have my back.”

Jefferson describes his game

Jefferson says his strengths are “Leading, guarding the other team’s best player, getting my teammates involved, and scoring the ball if I need to.”

The main thing he’d like to improve is his handle with the rock.

“Being a guard, you always want to make sure your handle is right, so just getting the ball on the string more.”