DJ Jefferson, a 4-star wing out of Saint Paul, Minnesota (Minnesota Preparatory Academy), has committed to play in the SEC.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-5 and 190-pound small forward, is rated the No. 28 small forward in the class of 2022 and the No. 2 player in the state of Minnesota, according to the 247Sports Composite. He committed on Friday to play at Tennessee.

Jefferson picked the Vols over Wake Forest and Washington State, and both committed to and signed with the Vols on Friday afternoon. Jefferson initially signed with Tulsa in November but was released and reopened his recruitment following a coaching change. His stock rose significantly after an impressive showing at the Iverson Classic last month in Memphis.

“The coach,” Jefferson told GoVols247 of why he picked the Vols. “Man, coach Rick Barnes, he’s a good guy. Hall of Famer. I had actually looked up some information (on Tennessee), but when I got there, they had a whole tribute (to Barnes), going down the list of his accolades — Final Four, a lot of Sweet Sixteens.

“When I heard those things about him, it was like yeah, this is the place I want to be,” Jefferson continued, “where I want to get coached, who I want to get coached by. Somebody that knows what it takes to win and has that winning mindset.”

Rick Barnes added, “D.J. is a lot of fun to be around,” Barnes said. “He’s got an engaging personality and infectious positive energy. That energy really translates to the basketball court. He’s an exciting player in transition who loves getting out in the open court. D.J. is also a high-level defender with big shoulders and a long wingspan. I think Tennessee fans will love getting to know him and watching him compete.”

Here are some of his highlights: