Jones' heart told him to commit to Tennessee

The 6-foot, 190-pound athlete from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City, Okla., committed to UT on Tuesday after a visit at his home from football coach Phillip Fulmer and defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell.

"I was thinking about waiting to see if anything out there was better," he said. "My mom said why wait if my heart was with Tennessee. So I went ahead and verbally committed."

Jones said he "fell in love" with UT when he took his official visit to Knoxville on Nov. 4. He said he saw an atmosphere he wanted to join when the Vols played host to LSU.

"It was a great game," he said. "Even though they lost they fought hard and never quit. I can just see myself helping them out and being an extra push for the team."

Jones said he expects to play wide receiver for UT. The Vols have a need at the position with Jayson Swain and Bret Smith graduating and Robert Meachem mulling the possibility of leaving early for the NFL.

Jones said he recognized an opportunity to play early, although he hopes to have Meachem by his side.

"I would like for Meachem to stay to nurture me and bring me up and teach me some things," he said. "But if he doesn't, I look forward to stepping in."

Jones said Meachem, a Tulsa native, gave him confidence in moving from Oklahoma to Tennessee.

"He said it's not hard," Jones said. "The hardest part is when you first leave you get homesick, but eventually you adapt to the atmosphere. If he can do it I think I can do it."

Jones said the move will be difficult for his mom and him, but he knows it's one he needs to make.

"I think she dropped a tear or two realizing I was leaving," he said. "It will be emotional, but it's an experience that I need. It will help me grow up."

Jones said he sees a bright future at quarterback for UT. Erik Ainge enters his senior year next season, and Jonathan Crompton is finishing his redshirt freshman season.

Crompton played the final three quarters in the 28-24 loss to LSU because of an ankle injury Ainge suffered against South Carolina on Oct. 28. Jones said he was impressed with Crompton's mobility and expects him to develop into a good passer.

"He made some good throws, but I saw him use his legs," he said. "I see the talent, so I know he'll get better."

Jones chose UT over Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Notre Dame and Florida. He said he often heard pressure from fans to stay in-state, but it never affected his decision.

"A lot of people came up to me and said I need to be a Sooner or an Oklahoma State Cowboy," he said. "But the players and people at school gave me no pressure."

© 2006, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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