OT with two more official visits

Jawuan James is back on the market, the recruiting market that is. James, a four-star offensive lineman from the Peach State made a spring commitment. But he has since backed off the Crimson Tide decision and is once again open with the recruiting process.

"I did de-commit from Alabama," Jones said. "I have talked with the coaches there about it and was honest with them from the beginning. I just feel better now and I want to re-evaluate things for now. Of course I am still considering Alabama and I hope to visit them sometime soon."

Jones, from North Gwinnett High School in Suwannee, took his first official visit this past weekend when he tripped to Athens to check out the Dawgs. It was a good weekend for James.

"It was good to get back on campus. I went with my parents and we met with coach (Mark) Richt and coach (Stacey) Searels. Georgia has a real strong need on their offensive line. That's a good thing for me. I think Georgia is happy to be back in this thing with me. I went up there with the intention of getting more comfortable with coaches and players. Like I said, things went well because I haven't been there in a while."

Other teams on the James short list besides Alabama and Georgia are Tennessee, Florida and UCLA. In fact he has official visits lined up with both the Volunteers and Bruins.

"My official to Tennessee will be the UGA game (10-10). They need linemen in a big way. I think they coaches there are great. Coach (Ed) Orgeron is recruiting me and he's a real good guy. I like the OL coach and already have a good bond with the entire staff. They have a good thing going up there.

"I am going to UCLA (10-17). I was looking at them before. A teammate of mine, Justin Dickens, camped there and did well. We are going out there together. I am looking forward to checking them out.

"I went to Florida for the Tennessee game. It was an unofficial visit. The coaching staff is real good. I spent some time during the spring there as well and I really bonded with them. I spent a week down there."

James is graduating early so he knows he has to make his decision quicker than most.

"I hope to have it made some time in December. Right now, I am open. I do not have a leader."

North Gwinnett is 5-0 on the season and ranked No. 2 in 5A. James, now 6-7 and 305 pounds, says he has improved a lot over last season.

"I think I have gotten a lot better with drive blocking. I am stronger and playing with better technique. I have gotten more reps. I feel the difference. I feel quicker even though last season I was at 290."

North Gwinnett is idle this week. Next week they take on Chattahoochee. James has 38 pancake blocks in five games this year.

This weekend James will take an unofficial visit to Athens for the LSU/Georgia game on Saturday afternoon.