When Jarron Jones committed to Penn State in April, the defensive lineman from Rochester, N.Y., made it clear it was a soft commitment. Not this time.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound elite defender made his decision today and it’s final.
“I just woke up this morning and said, ‘This is the right thing for me,’” Jones told Irish Sports Daily.
On Monday evening, Jones called Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco and told him he was committing to Notre Dame.
“It’s great knowing I’m going to be a part of a huge tradition,” Jones said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait.”
Jones becomes the 14th verbal commitment for the Irish in the Class of 2012 and the second defensive lineman, joining Sheldon Day from Indianapolis. Rated as an offensive lineman by ESPN, Jones is a four-star ESPNU Top 150 prospect, but other services rate him as a five-star defender.
Jones decommitted from Penn State following an unofficial visit to Notre Dame this summer and it seemed clear the Irish had made a strong move up his list. Jones says he’s done with the recruiting process and is certain he’ll be signing with the Irish.
“I’m absolutely positive,” the Aquinas Institute star said.
Jones is already eyeing a date for his official visit to Notre Dame and said he won’t take any other visits.
“I think I’m going to try to make out for the USC game,” he said.
He had narrowed his list to Notre Dame, Penn State, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Louisville before deciding Notre Dame was the place for him.
“It was the academic support,” Jones said of the major reason for his decision. “I could see myself being able to be successful coming out of there. I don’t think I could get the same opportunity at any other school. Also, the Christian faith. I’d like to stick with the spirituality of high school and the experiences I’ve learned. I think that will really help.”
Jones’ family definitely approves of the decision.
“My mom was pretty excited,” he said. “She’s proud of me.”
Jones’ mother, Lakiescha Titus-Jones, believes Notre Dame is the right spot for her son.
“What can compare to it?” she said. “The academics, like I told him, pro stuff is not guaranteed, it’s God-given. No matter what school you’re at, if you go do what you’re supposed to do, that’s going to happen for you. For me, it’s the academics and it’s truly about the kind of personalized attention that my son will receive and extra compassion and extra guidance he’ll receive at Notre Dame.”
Click here to see where Jones rates on Coach D's Big Board for defensive ends.
