Defensive tackle Naquan Jones high on Gamecocks as decision nears

Defensive tackle Naquan Jones of Evanston, Ill., has set June 5 for his decision date.

“It’s near the end of my school year and I’m ready to be done with recruiting so I can focus on my senior season and senior year,” Jones said.

Jones (6-4, 283) is down to South Carolina, Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Penn State. Jones has visited USC and is planning to make another visit.

“I’ve been in recent contact with Coach Sands and I’m trying to schedule a visit to come back down,” Jones said. “I just really had a great time on my visit.”

Sands and co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke have been up to see Jones, and he’s expecting Sands and Deke Adams to pay him a visit this week or next. Jones said his USC visit has been the best so far, and the Gamecocks and Michigan State are recruiting him the hardest. He’s also been to Michigan State.

“South Carolina is a great school,” he said. “I saw everything and I talked to Coach Spurrier. It’s where I can see myself at and was real comfortable.”

Jones, however, is not ready to name a favorite and he does plan to further shorten his list between now and his announcement time.

“I’m looking for the best school that fits me and will support me academically,” he said. “And where I have good bonds with my teammates and coaches, and where I feel comfortable. That’s most important to me.”

This story was originally published May 13, 2015 at 1:37 PM with the headline "Defensive tackle Naquan Jones high on Gamecocks as decision nears."