It's been over a decade since Tony Jefferson played a game for the Oklahoma Sooners, but he's still trying to help his alma mater win football games all these years later.
Honor Fa’alave Johnson, a five-star safety in the 2027 class, on Tuesday included OU in his top 10 school options, as well as Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Miami, Oregon, Penn State and Notre Dame. It's a stacked list of competition for the Sooners, but having help from an NFL player with recruitment is certainly an advantage.
2027 safety Honor Fa’alave Johnson includes Sooners in top 10
With the two currently playing football in the same state but at different levels, Jefferson immediately responded to Fa'alave-Johnson's post on X that asked where home was and answered, "OU playing in (Brent) Venables' defense!! Trust me brotha."
OU playing in venables defense !! Trust me brotha @HonorFaalave https://t.co/rmwShtfedz
— Tony Jefferson (@Tljefferson23) December 16, 2025
Jefferson could be a great example for Fa'alave-Johnson at what's possible after playing safety for the Sooners as he's nearing the end of his 11th season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. Better yet, Jefferson also played in Venables' system when Venables was OU's defensive coordinator. Now as head coach, Venables is still calling the shots for OU's defense.
Fa'alave-Johnson is the consensus No. 1 safety in the 2027 class and top overall player in the state of California out of Cathedral Catholic in San Diego. The Sooners already have a pipeline from California to Norman with two 2027 commitments from the state so far and three signees from California in the 2026 class.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Fa'alave-Johnson is the No. 16 overall prospect in the class.
It's still early, but according to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, the Sooners have the No. 1 2027 class in the country thanks to 11 quick commitments. Even with the loaded class, Fa'alave-Johnson would be the No. 2 highest-rated commit for OU and No. 1 on the defensive side of the ball. He would also be the Sooners' third five-star addition to the group.