Early contact helped athlete Delvin Jones pick Vols

Tennessee’s lead-the-pack recruiting approach paid off with commitment Delvin Jones.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound athlete from Palmetto High School in Miami said he committed to UT on Friday, in part, because the Vols were the first to offer him a scholarship.

“I took that into consideration,” said Jones, who UT offered in January.

Other schools followed suit, too many for Jones to count. He said Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida and Southern California finished closest to UT in the battle for his services.

The Vols, led by recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron, pride themselves in evaluating and offering prospects before other schools. Jones was recruited by UT running backs coach Eddie Gran, who has a long history of success recruiting South Florida.

“He’s a cool guy,” said Jones, who is the 16th player for UT’s 2010 signing class.

Jones played receiver and defensive end last season. He said he enjoys both equally.

“I just love being on the field,” he said.

Jones said he hopes to enroll at UT in January if he can complete his high school requirements in time. When he arrives on campus, there could be a debate for his services. Jones seems to have the physical ability to play defensive end or receiver.

“I’ll play anything they want me to play once I get there,” Jones said, “as long as I get playing time.”

His high school statistics indicate that Jones might be better suited to play defensive end. He registered 20 sacks and 80 tackles last season. Offensively, he caught 10 passes for 150 yards.

Jones said his speed, size and quickness are his best attributes.

“A player that makes plays,” he said with a chuckle when asked to describe himself.

Jones hasn’t been to UT’s campus. He’ll take an official visit to Knoxville this fall. That will give him another opportunity to spend time with UT’s coaches that he grew so fond of in the recruiting process.

“I felt comfortable with the coaches,” Jones said.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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