Top Kentucky OL focused on six

Like the first round of a heavyweight boxing match, the battle for the Bluegrass State’s top offensive lineman appears to be still in the “feeling out” stage.

“I have five or six teams right now that I’m considering,” said four-star Mayfield (Ky.) offensive tackle Micah Jones. “I’m looking at Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, Michigan and Kentucky.

“I don’t really have those in any kind of order yet. I’m just trying to watch them on TV as much as possible and I’ve enjoyed talking to the coaches. When I get a chance to take some visits, I should be able to tell you a little more about who’s my favorites.”

Jones (6-5, 336, 5.15) is rated the No. 16 offensive tackle in the nation. He combines a massive frame with surprisingly good feet to pose a dominating presence on the line of scrimmage. Through nine games this season for the defending Class A state champions, he’s graded out at an average of 93 percent.

Located in far western Kentucky and several hours away from the schools on his list, Jones hasn’t had many opportunities to make unofficial visits this season. The one exception came when he traveled to Memphis on Sept. 6 to see the Ole Miss game.

“I was supposed to go to a Kentucky game earlier this year, but we had a real late game that Friday night, and they had an early game,” he said. “I just couldn’t work things out. I’m trying to get up there for one of their last home games, maybe the Tennessee game."

Jones says he also wants to attend the Alabama-Auburn game on Nov. 22.

Jones hasn’t set any official visits yet.

Asked to break down the schools in contention for his services, he said:

“With Tennessee, I just like the whole coaching staff and the tradition there. They have a lot of guys go pro, a lot of great linemen. Coach Washington and coach Fulmer call me a lot. I love talking football with them. It makes me feel pretty special when coach Fulmer calls. That shows me how much he wants me.

“Auburn is kind of the same as Tennessee. It’s just a great program. I like coach Dunn and coach Tuberville and coach Knall. They all take turns calling me. I’ve heard it’s a real nice school, too.

“Bama… I’ve always liked them. The tradition is huge, going all the way back to the Bear. When you think of college football, that’s one of the places that always comes up in your mind.

“Arkansas is on my list because of coach Nutt. I like him a lot, and he’s got them playing good again this season. I think he’s a real good coach, and people around here tell me he’d be nice to play for. A lot of people know him from when he was at Murray State.

“Michigan is kind of different, being up north and so far away from here, but their tradition is just like Tennessee or Alabama. They’re a great football school. I’d like to be able to go up and see a game at that stadium if I have a chance.

“Last but not least, Kentucky is the home state school. I’ve always liked them. People around here would love to see me go there. I like coach Phillips and coach Brooks. Those are two really good guys. And right now, I know they need linemen pretty bad. And I know I could help them right away.”

Academically, Jones is working on his core GPA, which needs to raise a bit. But he’s got a solid 21 on the ACT and projects as a full qualifier.