The Huskers sign a prospect who has demonstrated his ability on both sides of the ball.
Jeremiah Jones, a player with alluring potential on both sides of the ball, committed to Nebraska on Monday following an official visit to Lincoln a week earlier.
Prior to choosing Nebraska over the Cardinals, he had also taken an OV to his home state school, Louisville.
The way Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and his staff connected with him on a personal level after originally offering him last November was an important factor in his choice.
“Not just the player, but as a man, they put plans for me to be able to go to that school,” Jones recalled. “So them staying committed to me and not just verbally saying, ‘Oh, we want you here,’ but putting in the effort to get to know me and that they wanted me.”
Jones, 6-5 and 215 pounds, is listed as a safety by 247Sports, although he has also played linebacker, wide receiver, and quarterback for his Murray (Ky.) High School squad. At a recent camp, Florida State worked him out completely as a tight end, and he was one of the top performers, according to sources.
He informed Husker247 that NU workers were primarily interested in having him participate in the program. Perhaps there was a defensive lean at the end of those sessions, but that can be worked out over time.
“When I went on the visit, I went into both meetings … the receivers and the rover/safety,” Jones recalled. “I suppose the rover/safety is where I see myself right now, but that is not my final decision. I like the receiver as well.”
His mother, brother, and sister accompanied him on the trip to Lincoln last weekend and enjoyed it as well.
“It’s not too far of a plane ride, but with it being an 11-hour drive, she knows it’s hard but she’s comfortable with Nebraska for me,” he told me.
He stated he felt at home throughout the weekend in Lincoln. He appears right at home between those lines, regardless of what position he plays.
During his junior season, he caught 22 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns and carried 62 times for 304 yards and three scores. He also completed 54 of 102 passes, totaling 643 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 66 tackles, four sacks, and five tackles for loss. In addition, he made two interceptions and recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
As a sophomore, he led the team with 97 tackles, four tackles for loss, and five interceptions. He returned an interception for a touchdown and rushed for another.
Certainly, his defensive potential is evident. However, the recent FSU camp was only one example of the type of athlete from whom the Huskers received a pledge.
While practicing at tight end that day, our FSU reporter observed, “We knew coming into the day that he had some impressive measurables, but he matched those impressive metrics with explosive movements and great ball skills.”
Jones stated that he considers himself fortunate to have had the possibilities available to him as a recruit, and he thanked his family and coach Melvin Cunningham for their belief and support.
“The people I have around me, it’s just been a blessing,” he joked. “The entire recruitment trip. Being where I am right now without being on anyone’s radar is a blessing.”
