D.J. Jones was recruited by Tennessee out of Wren High School in Piedmont, S.C., and he has heard plenty from the Vols since he arrived at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Miss., last year.
Four-star defensive tackle D.J. Jones of East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Miss., is ranked the nation's No. 1 junior-college prospect in the 247Sports Composite.
But hes now being pursued by a number of other teams.
The four-star freshman defensive tackle has emerged as one of the nations top junior-college prospects in the 2015 class, with scholarship offers from more than 10 major-conference programs, including Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida State, Alabama and Southern California.
To tell you the truth, I dont even know the (offer) count, said Jones, whos ranked the nations No. 1 junior-college player in the 247Sports Composite, which equally weighs prospect rankings and ratings from major recruiting media outlets.
Its still relatively early in the recruiting process for the 6-foot-2, 305-pound Jones, whos hoping to graduate from East Mississippi in December and enroll at the college of his choice in January. But he said hes already planning to visit South Carolina, Florida State, Alabama and Tennessee, perhaps as early as this summer.
I wouldnt say (I have any leaders) because I dont know, he said. I havent even gotten the chance to be on anybodys campus.
Jones said he has remained a high priority for Tennessee since he arrived at East Mississippi last year, and hes hoping to visit the Vols at least once in the coming months.
(They have said) just keep them in mind because they know Ive been talking to all these coaches in the past few months keep them in mind, and I am. Theyll be with me, Jones said. I havent been there (to Tennessee) yet. Were setting that up. Were getting that together now.
Ill probably do something during the summer probably an unofficial during the summer and then Ill take an official visit during the season.
Jones said he knows at least one of Tennessees current players sophomore defensive end Jaylen Miller, a former standout at Gaffney (S.C.) High School and he likes what he has heard about the Vols from coach Butch Jones, defensive line coach Steve Stripling and offensive graduate assistant Anthony Parker.
I know that its a great place. Ive had people tell me its a great place, D.J. Jones said. I went there when I was young. We went on vacation to Tennessee, and I know its a nice place, a family-oriented environment.
I know theyre on the come-up. I know that. ts a great place. What they tell you is whats going on. Its a family place, and they love the game of football.
He said hes hoping to gradually narrow the list of schools hes considering, perhaps to 10 by this summer and then to five finalists sometime during his upcoming sophomore season. But he said he doesnt plan to decide on a college until December.
Jones said he at least has an idea, though, of what hes hoping to find.
Distance from home doesnt matter to me, but allowing my family to see me play does, he said. I mean, TV, of course, thatd be fine. They dont have to be at my games, and they know that. (I want a) family-oriented environment (and a) good team just knowing that they put linemen in the league. At the end of the day, thats my top priority.
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