As fresh starts go, this week is one that Amari Jefferson has been looking forward to for some time.
The former Baylor School two-sport standout, who signed with the University of Alabama last year but recently transferred to Tennessee, moves into his new East Tennessee home this week to begin preparing for spring practice.
“Once I decided I was getting into the portal, I knew where I wanted to go,” said Jefferson, who announced his decision on social media last week by posting a picture of him as a young boy wearing a Vols jersey and fishing with his grandfather. “I knew I wanted to be in Knoxville. There were other schools that reached out, but I told them I wanted to be a Vol.
“My grandpa was a huge Tennessee fan. He passed away last July, unfortunately, but that post was my way of paying respect to him because I know what it would mean for him to see me play for Tennessee. Throughout my high school recruitment, I became very familiar with Coach (Josh) Heupel and his staff and their offense, so that made my decision even easier. I’m excited to get started.”
When Jefferson committed to Alabama in the summer before his senior year at Baylor, he admitted then that the biggest factor in his decision was the opportunity to play for legendary coach Nick Saban. Several months later, when Saban announced his retirement in early January of 2024, Jefferson said that change impacted his first season in college.