Jones eyes visits

Allen (Texas) 2016 Rivals250 safety Jaylon Jones picked up offers from Arizona State, Baylor, Duke, Miami, Ole Miss, SMU, TCU, and Tulsa after a strong sophomore season which saw him earn 10-5A co-defensive newcomer of the year honors.

Jones did not attend any camps during the summer months, but he did take unofficial visits to Baylor, TCU, and Texas A&M. Each program left a solid impression.

"TCU, that's a defensive program," Jones said. "Just the background with the coaches and just how cool they were as a coaching staff it was just chill there.

"Baylor, the same thing with the coaching staff. They also have a good program too. It was pretty nice. I liked the facilities and everything.

"College Station, it was cool. Their coaching staff is real cool and the time I went down there I got to watch them scrimmage so it was pretty cool to get to see how they play their defensive schemes and really just getting to know the coaches. Talking to coach Joseph the DB coach and meeting with the players and asking them about the facilities and the academics and everything. It was great."

Texas A&M has yet to offer, but the Aggies have shown significant interest.

During the fall, Jones also has a few visit plans on his mind.

"I can't say it's official but I know me and my dad are supposed to be going to Baylor's opening game and we're going to go to the TCU game," Jones said. "That's what we're trying to do the first weekend."

Jones is not ready to claim any leaders when it comes to the recruiting process, and at this time he is focused on preparing for the 2014 season and another title run.

"It's going well," Jones said. "We just finished our third practice and both sides of the ball are looking good right now."

In 2013, Jones was the young guy on the defense. He was able to learn from some talented veterans and gain some valuable experience. As the 2014 season approaches he is now

"It's just the same as last year. I just want to lead the defense because we have a young defense and I want to lead us to state," Jones said. "Definitely last year playing with those older guys they showed me a lot and playing teams like DeSoto especially prepared me for this season."

As a sophomore in 2013, Jones recorded 104 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 pass break-ups, and a tackle for loss. He is currently ranked No. 202 in the 2016 Rivals100, No. 14 among the nation's safeties, and No. 24 in the Rivals.com Texas Initial Top 75 for 2016.