Jones planning weekend visits

Compton (Calif.) defensive lineman Datone Jones is quickly establishing himself as one of the top prospects to watch out for in the national class of 2008. Jones picked up yet another big offer Wednesday and said he'll take a couple of unofficial visits this weekend.

Jones, 6-4, 240 pounds has been landing a new offer almost every day it seems but even he was surprised by his most recent one.

"Yeah, USC offered me, I couldn't believe it," Jones said. "I was down there for Junior Day a few weeks ago and really liked it. I'm pretty familiar with the campus and I got to meet all the coaches. I'm going to take an unofficial visit there this Friday and I think they're going to push for a commitment but I'm not ready to do that right now.

"I just want to try and stay open but an offer from USC really means a lot. They have a great program and the players they've been putting in to the league the last few years have been like celebrities. People are going to be going crazy when they hear I have an offer from SC.

"I really want to play out the process and even though I'm excited about the offer, I don't want to do anything until I've taken some trips and until I have no doubts at all in my head about what I should do. My plan right now is to wait until Signing Day before I decide anything.

"On Saturday, I'm going up to UCLA for an unofficial visit and I'm excited about them as well. I really didn't think either school was going to offer me because they haven't recruited our school at all and to get offers from both of them within a week of each other is pretty crazy.

"I like a lot of schools right now though, it's just about the two local schools. I'm interested in all of the schools that have offered me like Colorado, Oregon and Arizona plus schools like Notre Dame, Michigan and Cal. I don't know if I'll take all five of my trips but I would like to take at least three or four if I can.

"Right now, I'm really working hard on my speed and my getoffs. I'm running track just to get faster and more explosive. I was already pretty quick off the ball and tough to block but I want to be unblockable next season. I have to get ready for the NIKE Camp in April and my goal is go there and dominate."