Pete Golding's defense next year will be in a transition year. The top two linebackers, Henry To'o To'o and Will Anderson will be headed off to the NFL, which opens up two starting positions for next year's defense. Luckily for Alabama, the Tide reloads every single year. Justin Jefferson, the top JUCO linebacker in the Class of 2023, has signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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“Alabama is the best team in the country. I paid attention to the linebackers," said Jefferson to Bama Insider Reporter Andrew Bone.  "It made me more excited about the future. They are the best of the best. I was impressed with everyone.”

Coming out of Memphis TN. Jefferson decided to go the junior college route, and signed with the Pearl River Community College Wildcats, in Scooba, Miss. In two seasons with the Wildcats, Jefferson recorded 139 tackles, five sacks, 25 tackles for loss, and two interceptions.

According to 247 sports, Jefferson is a four star recruit and the second best player in all of junior college. Because of this lots of schools including Texas A&M, Florida State, Auburn, LSU, and USC were all trying to earn his services. In June, Jefferson said no to all of those schools and decided to commit to Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“Florida, Ole Miss and Mississippi State have still been talking to me,” he said.  “I am locked-in with Pearl River and Alabama. I will not take any other visits. I am locked-in with Alabama. I will likely be back for the next home game, but definitely will return for A&M.  I plan on attending most home games this season".

The 6-foot-1 linebacker becomes the first true linebacker to sign with the Crimson Tide in the Class of 2023. Jefferson becomes the newest member of the No. 1 recruiting class in 2023 joining Caleb Downs, Keon Keeley, Jahill Hurry, Tony Mitchell and many other highly touted recruits.

Jefferson is already on campus and is currently helping the Crimson Tide get ready for their Sugar Bowl matchup against Kansas State. When the Sugar Bowl is done, he will be ready to compete for the starting linebacker job in spring and fall camp.

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