Recruiting

Four-Star LB Kris Jones Returns to Maryland for Third Visit

Saturday marked the third visit to Maryland for Mountain View (VA) four-star linebacker Kris Jones. After checking out a spring practice then visiting for the Purdue game, Saturday’s visit was highlighted by Jones and nearly ten family members soaking in one-on-one time with the coaching staff and head coach Mike Locksley carved out extensive time to sit down with the top linebacker target.

“Just got to sit down with coach [Mike] Locksley and of course Lance Thompson, just to get to know each other better. He was saying how Maryland is best for me, just trying to get my parents on board that Maryland is a great place. You don’t need to go anywhere to be great, just do it in your area,” Jones told IBG. Inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson is leading the charge for Maryland and trekked through Jones’ school two weeks ago to check on the top target. “It’s been amazing. He’s a great dude, genuine person. Just getting to know him better with his past coaching experience has been great.”

Jones’ visit during the fall gave him a chance to watch his projected fit closer and took note of his ability to see the field early and often. “I like how fast they play on defense. Coach Lance isn’t afraid to start freshmen as you can see with Jaishawn Barham. He just has an amazing year. That’s the guy he compares me to, so the stuff he’s doing is the stuff LT sees me doing.” Does Jones have any questions for Maryland still outstanding? “I just want to sit down and talk football a little bit more.”

Maryland found itself inside Jones’ top 12 as Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia and Virginia Tech made the cut. The blue bloods have carried the buzz in Jones’ recruitment as he says he’ll look to schedule all five official visits this summer, but the Terps have proximity in their favor once again and they’re hitting on that angle.

“I love Maryland. I’ve got a whole bunch of family in Maryland, my parents grew up in Maryland. I just love Maryland, love the area so they’re up there.”

Jones doesn’t have any schools set in stone that he’d like to check out after the dead period, but he knows he doesn’t want to prolong his recruitment.

“I want to have all that stuff by summertime and I want to at least commit before the season starts, but I’m not rushing anything.”

Jones is rated a four-star prospect and a 92 overall by On3. He’s ranked as the second-best prospect in Virginia and the 110th-best prospect in the country.

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