Jones may have second thoughts

At first the connection may seem a bit vague. That is, until Dwight Jones explains the situation.

"Basically," the wide receiver from Cummings High School in Burlington, N.C. said, "it's really just North Carolina and Tennessee."

Jones is quick to point out that he's still "100 percent" committed to the Tar Heels but the contentious state of North Carolina's coach has him wondering, and considering the Vols.

North Carolina coach John Bunting appears to be on very shaky ground. North Carolina is 1-5 and has three ranked opponents left on its schedule.

A coaching change would open the door for the Vols to land the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Jones.

Jones said North Carolina defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders has grown close to the Jones family during his recruitment.

"We're very close," Jones said. "He's real cool with my mom and my sister."

Still, Sanders' position could be tenuous -- at best -- if Bunting is fired. North Carolina ranks 100th in the nation in total defense.

"I'll probably wait and see who they hire," Jones said of a possible coaching change.

UT assistant coaches Dan Brooks and Trooper Taylor are trying to convince Jones that looking around isn't necessary if North Carolina cleans house. The Vols are selling immediate playing time first and foremost. That's especially relevant if junior receiver Robert Meachem skips his senior year to enter the NFL draft.

"He might go to the league," Jones said. "Then they have two senior receivers (Jayson Swain and Bret Smith). They (UT's coaches) said if I would work hard, I could start."

Jones cites other reasons to go to Chapel Hill besides his relationship with North Carolina's coaches. Two former teammates play for North Carolina and it's only a 40-minute drive from home. Knoxville is approximately a five-hour drive.

Jones wasn't supposed to be concerned about such issues. As an early commitment, he thought he had eliminated the concerns often associated with undecided prospects.

"Sometimes it's a headache," Jones said, "but I'm used to it by now."

Jones is just getting used to playing wide receiver. He played cornerback last season before being moved to offense this year. It's been a natural transition. Jones has over 750 yards receiving, six touchdowns and a list of NFL receivers to emulate.

"I really like Chad Johnson, T.O. (Terrell Owens) and Randy Moss," Jones said.

That trio could scare some UT fans. Does Jones have the same penchant for celebrating as the three controversial figures mentioned above?

"We can't really celebrate in North Carolina," Jones said. "They're very strict.

"I'm not a flashy guy."