Markish Jones breaks it down

Spartanburg (S.C.) Broome wide receiver Markish Jones played host to coaches from Clemson and Alabama this week as the new Rivals250 member heads down the homestretch of his recruitment. In an exclusive interview with Rivals.com on Tuesday evening, Jones talked about his in-home visit with new Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, the status of his verbal commitment to the Tigers and his interest in two other southeastern powers.

When asked about his status with Clemson, Jones did not hesitate.

"I am still committed to Clemson," he said. "It's just good for me to go see the other schools to make sure that I am making the right decision."

Tigers assistant coaches David Blackwell and Dabo Swinney made an in-home visit with the nation's No. 28 wide receiver prospect.

Jones made an official visit to Clemson on the weekend of Jan. 12.

"I had a great time," he said. "I learned a lot about Clemson. I've had a great time at all of the schools I have visited."

On Tuesday, the 6-foot, 183-pounder played host to Saban and Alabama assistant coach Kevin Steele.

"It was great talking to (Saban)," Jones said. "He's a great person outside of coaching. He told me not to expect a rebuilding year for Alabama this year because they have enough talent coming back to be successful."

Saban also talked with Jones about how he would be used should he decide to head to Tuscaloosa.

"He told me he was going to use me any way he could think of," Jones said. "He said it would be similar to the way Florida uses Percy Harvin."

Steele was recruiting Jones for Florida State before joining Saban at Alabama.

"It helps (Alabama)," Jones said. "At first, I wasn't being recruited by Alabama. Coach Steele and I have a close relationship."

Jones will visit Tuscaloosa on the weekend of Feb. 2.

Jones went to Tallahassee last weekend to check out the Seminoles.

"I had a great time down there," he said. "I got the chance to meet with (Florida State head coach) Bobby Bowden a couple of times and talked with all of the coaches. Coach Bowden told me that a lot of people talk about him retiring in two or three years, but that he has given no signs of that.

"He was also telling me that it was a great place to be."

FSU wide receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey is scheduled to be in Spartanburg to see Jones Wednesday.

This coming weekend, Jones will make an official visit to Tennessee.

"I don't want to say it's the "best" opportunity," Jones said. "But they are losing four wide receivers, so I could play early."

Jones is a four-star rated recruit by Rivals.com. He is the No. 28 wide receiver prospect nationally and also is a high school track standout, winning four events at last year's state meet.