10/18/2004 football Edit

Illinois junior QB will be highly sought after

Tim O'Halloran

Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst

Chicago Morgan Park junior dual-threat quarterback prospect Demetrius Jones (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) has followed up his solid 2003 sophomore season on the varsity level in grand fashion so far in 2004. Jones combines great physical tools along with a maturity level and patience in and out of the pocket rarely seen from such a young prospect and player. Arm strength? Mobility? Jones, nicknamed D-Train, has the freight that will be pulling into a highly ranked and recruited station sooner rather than later.

The D-Train has put up some outstanding numbers for the Illinois Class 7A No. 1 ranked Mustangs, such as throwing for nearly 1,600 yards as well as rushing for 600 yards in just eight game so far this season. Jones has passed for 16 touchdowns as well as rushing for eight touchdowns.

“Things have gone really well so far this year for us," Jones said. “We beat Dunbar last Saturday 45-0 to win our conference, yet we still have much higher goals for our team this season."

Jones and the Mustangs are setting their sights on winning the first ever IHSA state title from the Chicago Public League since the Illinois High School Association started the state-wide football playoff series in 1974.

"Our goal from day one was to not just win the city title, but for us to win a state title. We want to be the first city team to bring home a state title trophy, and God willing this will be the year."

Jones has also begun to see his share of recruiting interest this fall.

"I've been getting a ton of mail from schools such as Ohio State, Iowa, Notre Dame, Boston College, Arizona, Michigan State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Illinois and Kentucky as well as mail from several MAC schools. I also was invited to the US Army All American Bowl combine in San Antonio, Texas in January."

Jones is open to all interest schools, but added that, "I really like Michigan State and Notre Dame a lot. I've been following them for a long time and I would love to have a chance to play for either team someday."