Five-star rates Illinois high

The biggest recruit to head up to Champaign last weekend was Atlanta (Ga.) Booker T. Washington safety Reshad Jones. The No. 16 player in the country really enjoyed his trip to Illinois and gave the visit very high ratings.

"My visit was really nice and I liked it up there," he said. "The coaching staff was great especially with coach Locksley. He's a real cool coach and a great recruiter. I liked everything up there, the facilities and all that stuff.

"I got there on Friday and basically toured the campus and school. The showed me around and I basically spent the rest of the time hanging out with the players including my host. I can't remember my host's name, but he was a really cool guy and I got to talk with him about everything including how they support you academically."

On Saturday, the 6-foot-1, 173-pounder got to spend a lot of time with Ron Zook.

"I got to see him pretty much whenever I wanted," he said. "He was always around the players and I could tell he was a really good coach because he's a family guy. I thought he was very cool because he showed that he wanted me and is willing to talk to his players any time, he's a real player's coach.

"He also told me I can come in and play early and be an impact player for them. I would also be able to get my #6 jersey number if I go there. The other thing I did with him was look at the various coverage schemes their safeties use and I liked what I saw."

Jones rated his trip to Illinois a nine.

"I liked everything I saw and it was really well organized," he said. "I would say they are definitely in my top six after the visit."

This weekend the five-star prospect heads to South Beach to visit Miami.

"I'm hoping to see the facilities, players and coaches," he said. "I also want to check out the depth chart because I really want to be able to come in and play right away. Finally, I want to see their academic support and how they take care of their players. I like them so far because I know they produce a lot of talent."

Jones has scheduled two other official visits to LSU on January 23rd and Florida on January 13th.

"I like both of those schools because they are in the SEC and they have been in touch with me a lot from the beginning," he said. "I also know I can come into both situations and make a big impact on the program right away."

The No. 1 safety in the country isn't sure who is up for his fifth official.

Tuesday Jones expects an in-home visit from LSU.