Illinois junior QB drawing serious interest

Chicago Morgan Park junior dual-threat quarterback prospect Demetrius Jones (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) has begun to show up on several college recruiting radar screens this winter. Jones took part in the All American Bowl combine in San Antonio, Texas and by all accounts the colleges have taken notice.

"The combine in San Antonio I thought went really well," Jones said. "It was a good weekend, and I felt that I performed pretty well. I ran well (4.4/40 yard dash) and I was happy about that since I really worked hard for a few months after the season on my starts. I wanted to prove everyone who questioned my wheels. I've got wheels."

Jones has also seen his stock continue to rise this winter.

"I've been hearing from my coach (Lexie Spurlock) that several schools are getting pretty close to offering me. I've been getting steady mail from Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Texas Tech, Michigan State and Ohio State."

Jones at this point is still wide open recruiting-wise, yet a few schools have always appealed to Jones.

"Texas Tech runs that wide open offense, and I've become a pretty big fan of their attack. Living in Chicago, Notre Dame is always a big draw. I also like Michigan, Michigan State and a few others. At this point I'm just going to see how things go recruiting-wise."

Jones is also well aware that he has plenty of hard work ahead of him this off season.

"I might of tested well at the combine, but I realize more than anyone that I still have some hard work ahead of me. I really need to improve my overall quarterbacking skills, and I also need to become a better pocket passer. My goal is to be considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation next year, and I'm going to continue to work hard from here on out."