The Illinois football team needs to continue building their class of 2019 and snagging another top 300 player would help that cause.
Well, Illinois might be one step closer to landing one of those great players. On Thursday afternoon, Jarrian Jones announced that he will be taking an official visit to Illinois on November 3. This is a massive visit for the Illini because of the need for another player like Jones in the defensive secondary.
Jones is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety from Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood, Mississippi. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 237 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 20 safety in the nation. He is also the No. 13 player in the state of Mississippi.
If you are an Illini fan, you have to be excited about the news that Jones wants to visit Champaign. He has always loved that Illinois offered him a scholarship. Back in February, he expressed his excitement to the Writing Illini.
“I was excited because Coach Stoker and I have a strong relationship and, on top of that, you don’t see schools like Illinois offering many Mississippi kids,” said Jones.
That quote was from about eight months ago when Illinois first offered Jones a scholarship. The recruiting scene has been pretty quiet over the last few months, but things could be heating up soon. It looks like this program has done some great work with Jones and he is looking forward to the visit.
“The goal is to have a good time and see what Illinois is about,” said Jones.
Getting a feel for the program and what the Orange and Blue is all about is important. That applies to any school that any of these athletes are looking to attend. If you don’t get the right vibe then you should not commit there.
Jones mentioned back in February that he and Coach Stoker have a great relationship. But, has he had a chance to get to know any of the Illinois football players?
“I actually know none of the players, lol, but I know a commit very well,” said Jones.
That statement tells me that Illinois commit and future superstar Marquez Beason has been talking with Jones about the possibility of teaming up. So, I asked, are you talking about Marquez and have you guys been talking about teaming up?
“Yeah, we want to play together!” says Jones.
Illinois is starting to build a great class of 2019 and adding a player like Jones would make it one of the best in the Big Ten. Jones is giving the Orange and Blue a serious look, but I also realize there are also some other big-time contenders vying for his commitment.
Jones is actually already committed to Mississippi State right now. He also has other programs like Oklahoma and Alabama lurking as well. If Illinois can manage to land someone like Jones to team up with Beason, the Illini would be forming one of the best defensive backfields in college football. Some exciting times could be coming soon for Illini fans.