Jones readies for first game visit
Minneapolis (Minn.) Washburn class of 2014 running back Jeff Jones has not had the start to his junior season he expected, but the 6-foot, 190-pound back expects to be back on the field Friday night, and in the stands of a college game on Saturday.
"The first game I am going to see is this Saturday… a Minnesota game," Jones reported. "I wanted to go see them first because they were the first that offered me."
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Jones said health problems for his grandmother have prevented him from fully participating for his team this fall and, to a lesser extent, attending college games. From this weekend forward, though, Jones expects to be on the road visiting colleges frequently.
"I want to go in order of these teams that offered me first to show them I appreciate the offer," Jones said. "I am going to try to get out to a Michigan State game. After that, I am going to try and get out to Illinois and Iowa games. I plan on going to see Wisconsin also."
The five schools he mentioned, along with Iowa State, have already offered Jones scholarships. Interest from other schools has been heavy since colleges were able to contact juniors on Sept. 1 and additional game visits could be planned out of that group.
"I've got a lot of letters sitting here inviting me to games," Jones said. "Alabama actually sent me about 15 letters in one day. I've also gotten an invite to a game and that's something me and my coach have talked about doing."
Jones' grandparents live in Alabama and the Crimson Tide have held strong interest for the Minneapolis back since his recruitment started.
With six scholarship offers in hand, and many more schools showing interest, Jones sees himself still in the infancy of his recruitment.
"I would like to take my time just to get the experience," Jones said. "I just want to take it slow, see who really wants me the most and who will really help me after college. Academics is a big part of it and the strength program."