Smackover's Jones Commits To Razorbacks

Smackover junior receiver Jordan Jones didn't waste any time after putting on a show at Arkansas' Elite Camp on Thursday.

Jones (6-1, 175), who ran a blistering 4.34 in the 40-yard dash at the camp, immediately committed to Arkansas after Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema offered him a scholarship.

Jones is the Razorbacks' first 2016 pledge.

"They are No. 1 all the way," Jones said. "Being a hometown guy, they are No. 1 in my heart and I just went with my heart. I committed. I like Coach B. He sat me down and it was more than just football with him. He told me that I have got to get on top of my grades, and I could tell how much he really wanted me. That is why I committed."

It was the second great recruiting news for the Razorbacks in as many days as Fayetteville senior tight end C.J. O'Grady (6-5, 230) chose Arkansas over Oklahoma, Texas, Ole Miss, Oregon and others on Wednesday.

O'Grady was on hand Thursday to visit with some of his future teammates such as Charleston quarterback and Arkansas pledge Ty Storey and Jones, who caught 26 passes for 687 yards last season for the Buckaroos with 10 of those going for touchdowns.

Jones says he will be a Razorback no matter who pursues him from this point on.

"It is yes for good," Jones said. "I think I made the right decision, made the right choice being hometown guy and it is just what I wanted to do. Now I get to say I get to go help the Razorbacks."

Bielema was also a big factor in the decision for Jones, who was drawing interest from Oklahoma State, Mississippi State and others and had an offer from Tulsa.

"He wants to see you succeed at a higher level than just college and that's in the pros," Jones said. "He is just a good guy and I can tell he is a good man. He is real focused and he is going to get me on the right path so I can get here and help turn this thing around."

Jones sized up his game.

"I think my best strengths are my speed and my jumping ability," Jones said. "I need to work on my route running a little bit more, get a little bit more smooth. But other than that, I think I am pretty squared away."

Jones was happy with the chance to work with Razorback receivers coach Michael Smith.

"He is a great guy," Jones said. "He is funny and I love him to death. He was just telling me smart things to work on throughout the day and I love him. He's like a dad to me."

Jones admitted he exceeded his own expectations for the day.

"I didn't expect to come out this good, but I figured I would be able to do some of the stuff I had been doing," Jones said. "I wasn't expecting to run as fast as I did and do some of the things I did, but I just give honor to God. Without him, I would be here right now."

Dudley E. Dawson is the recruiting editor for Hawgs Illustrated, an NWA Media publication.

NW News on 06/20/2014

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