Tennessee has been recruiting junior college defensive lineman D.J. Jones out of East Mississippi Community College for some time now.
The Vols knew about him when he was at Wren High School in Piedmont, S.C., and they haven't stopped recruiting the 2013 high school graduate since he's landed in Scooba, Miss.
"They really wanted me out of high school. They showed a lot of interest but I just couldn't get in (to school)," Jones explained. "It was coach (Jay) Graham when he was still there, but now I talk to coach (Butch) Jones and coach (Steve) Stripling."
The 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle has never stepped foot on the Vols' campus but he has learned a lot about Tennessee from talking to the coaches and said they will be in it with him until the end.
"I know it's a family oriented place and a great place to play," Jones said. "A lot of greats have come out of there. They are on the come-up. It will be on my final list."
Along with Tennessee, Jones, who recorded 49 tackles and eight sacks last year for the Lions, said Oklahoma State recruited him in high school and is continuing to recruit him. Right now he lists a top five of Florida State, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Ole Miss.
Jones added he knows he's going to take an official visit to Tennessee, likely in the fall to get a feel for the atmosphere, and said it has meant a lot to him that the Vols helped him get to EMCC and never gave up on him.
"It's the relationship and that they didn't give up on me coming out of high school," said Jones on why the Vols are firmly in his top group. "For them to stay with me that meant a lot and knowing they are staying with me in junior college even though I have more offers and stuff it means a lot."
Because of Graham now coaching at Florida State, Jones said they will receive a strong look as well.
"They have a winning tradition and their defensive line is nasty and it's known to put players in the league just like Tennessee," Jones said of the Seminoles.
Don't look for Jones to make a decision any time soon as he hopes to see what a number of schools have to offer this upcoming fall and hopes to take his time and likely take all five official visits.
"I want to take my time. I probably won't make my commitment during the year. I want to take my time and make my commitment in December," Jones said. "I want to take my time and take all of my visits and weigh all of my options."