UT trying to sway North Carolina commitment

The wide receiver from Cummings High School in Burlington, N.C., maintains he is "100 percent" committed to North Carolina, which he told the News Sentinel last week. But Jones, who is also considering Tennessee, said he's becoming less certain about the Tar Heels.

John Bunting was told by athletic director Dick Baddour on Sunday he won't return as North Carolina's head coach at the end of the season.

Bunting's job status has been shaky all season as North Carolina (1-6, 0-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) has failed to defeat a Division 1-A opponent. The final straw was the Tar Heels' 23-0 loss at struggling Virginia on Thursday.

Jones said he's still adjusting to the news of Bunting's firing.

"Right now I'm still 100 percent (committed)," the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder said. "My mind might change, but for right now I'm still 100 percent."

UT's coaches are doing their best to change Jones's mind.

"The Tennessee coaches are still saying that I can come down there and possibly get some playing time," he said. "(Jayson Swain and Bret Smith) are seniors and Robert Meachem is a junior."

Meachem could skip his senior year to enter the NFL draft, which would make Jones even more valuable to UT.

Jones, who is being recruited by assistant coaches Dan Brooks and Trooper Taylor, attended UT's 16-13 win over Alabama on Saturday during an unofficial visit. He received a warm welcome in an unfamiliar territory.

"People were screaming my name that I didn't even know," he said. "They just knew who I was. I was signing autographs. It was real cool."

Jones said he noticed a difference between UT and North Carolina fans.

"Carolina's more laid back with their fans," he said. "Tennessee fans, they're in the game the whole game from kickoff and before the game even starts. It was very exciting."

Jones said he had a short visit with North Carolina natives Josh Briscoe and Montario Hardesty following UT's win.

"Briscoe wanted me to stay," Jones said, "but I couldn't stay because I had to get back on the road. Hopefully I'll see him next time I go down there."

Jones said he plans to take official visits to UT, North Carolina and Clemson. He said he hasn't set any dates.

Jones said he will continue to monitor North Carolina's coaching situation. He has developed a close relationship with defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders, whose future status with the Tar Heels is unknown.

"We're very close," Jones told the News Sentinel last week. "He's real cool with my mom and my sister."

Jones said Sanders's future with North Carolina -- which doesn't look bright -- could have an impact on his commitment to the Tar Heels. North Carolina ranks 96th in the nation in total defense.

"I'd hate to lose him and see him go to another school," Jones said, "but he said he knows other schools are still looking at me. He's very concerned."