Dacula (GA) three-star linebacker Kyle Efford is set to announce his commitment on Sunday among a top three of Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Purdue. After taking official visits to both Maryland and Purdue, Efford returned to Georgia Tech for an unofficial visit with his teammates as the in-state Yellow Jackets are looking to close. Georgia Tech held the buzz early but the Terps haven’t given up their pursuit and have tightened the race heading into Sunday’s announcement.
“That’s the reason I have these three schools because all three are going above and beyond,” Efford told Inside the Black and Gold.
Maryland offered and surged in May to secure an official visit from Efford as the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Georgia target admitted the Terps weren’t too late to the party.
“Not at all. I’m really open-minded when it comes to that kind of stuff.” He recalled what stuck out about the message when touring the new indoor facility. “Just the people. They’ve got that brand new facility but it’s not the facility that makes the school, it’s the people inside the facility. The people make the program.” Efford’s conversation with head coach Mike Locksley also helped ease concerns about committing to a program out-of-state.
“Every single question that we had, they hit the nail on the head. What stood out the most was coach Locksley and what he went through with his son. That was really deep because I’m sure him having his team helped him cope with that.”
Efford took in the Georgia Tech unofficial just two days after returning from Maryland and holds a very strong rapport with the staff thanks to linebackers coach Andrew Thacker. “I was there for junior day before COVID and then we had a team 7-on-7 camp up there then the visit.” There is an appeal about staying close to home, though Efford admitted it won’t be a determining factor.
“I like it. Location is a big thing but if far feels right, then you’ve got to go far if that’s what is best for you.”
Efford is being recruited as a MIKE linebacker for Maryland. “I’m a true inside ‘backer really. I played a bit outside in high school just because I had to for my school
Efford is rated a three-star prospect and an 85 overall by 247Sports, sitting as the 87th-best prospect in Georgia.