Former AJC Super 11 football standout to transfer to UGA or FSU
Former AJC Super 11 member Jarvis Jones, who was granted a scholarship release by USC coach Lane Kiffin, will transfer to Georgia or Florida State.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Jones will make recruiting trips to both schools in the next few weeks and likely decide on a new team by the end of the month, according to his high school coach.
Jones was one of the nation’s top linebacker prospects at Carver-Columbus High, signing with USC over UGA, Florida and LSU in February 2009. Last season, Jones was a reserve linebacker for the Trojans as a freshman, registering 13 total tackles in eight games. He suffered a neck sprain against Oregon and missed the final five games. He was not cleared by doctors to participate in USC's recent spring practices run by Kiffin.
As for Jones' injured neck, Carver coach Dell McGee said his former player was examined by several independent physicians who have determined that Jones could play again.
“He sought other opinions from other doctors,” McGee said. “Those other doctors said they would clear him if they were the active team doctor.”
McGee also confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that both UGA and Florida State medical staffs will examine Jones’ neck as part of a routine physical during his recruiting trips. Jones also will file a petition with the NCAA seeking to play in the 2010 season.
Carver is a popular stop with college recruiters. A pair of seniors, tailback Isaiah Crowell and defensive tackle Gabriel Wright, also are considered among the nation’s best at their respective positions. Yet they're an independent group. If UGA or FSU gained the services of Jones, it still wouldn't necessarily affect the decisions of Crowell, Wright or other Carver players.
“I think all of those kids making those decisions are doing it because it’s a good fit for them; it’s not because any players are there,” McGee said. “Now I’m not saying that won’t happen. But I think the biggest thing before any kid makes a commitment is how he and his family feel about the school they are choosing.”
The latest on Crowell and Wright, according to McGee, is both visited Auburn last Thursday with other Carver players.
Jones kept recruiters guessing until signing day of his senior year. Crowell and Wright haven't indicated if they're in a hurry to decide or not.
“Right now, there’s a possibility they could do it at one of the [December] all-star games or signing day; they just don’t know right now,” McGee said. “They could do it tomorrow or wait until signing day. That’s up to them on when they want to make their decisions.”
