Class of 2026 athlete Jayden Jones was part of the high-profile list of underclassmen who took an unofficial visit on Friday to Rutgers football. Jones is projected to be one of the top recruits in New Jersey over the next two years.
A recruitment that is likely to go national.
A 6-foot-2 and 210-pound linebacker from Millville High School (Millville, N.J.), Jones was offered by Rutgers in late June. He also holds offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh and Temple.
The time spent at Rutgers was productive for Jones, who felt welcomed throughout the process and was able to relax with head coach Greg Schiano and the rest of the coaching staff.
“It was a great visit,” told Rutgers Wire.
“I had a fun time with my family and everyone around me.”
The unooficial visits included a campus tour, a tour of the team’s facilities and a photo shoot.
But one thing that stood out to Jones about the visit was his time spent with the staff.
“I love the coaching staff and how friendly and welcoming they are,” Jones said.
Rutgers is one of three Power Five offers for Jones. This weekend was an important one for the Scarlet Knights to further their relationship with Jones.
[lawrence-related id=28853]
In fact, Jones said that the Friday visit enhanced the standing of Rutgers in his recruitment.
“I would say so,” Jones said.
“I definitely felt welcomed and I felt a great bond with the coaches.
“I feel like I’ve definitely built a great connection with the coaches over there and I feel like it’s a very good overall school.”
Training camp begins on August 7 for Jones and his Millville teammates.
Last season, Millville finished the season 12-2 and won their last nine games. They won the Group 4 state championship, beating Northern Highlands 18-14 in a game played at Rutgers in SHI Stadium.
“Just go out there and ball out,” Jones said.
“I feel like I will have a great season and as a team, I feel like we will have a great season and get the three-peat.”
[lawrence-related id=28846,28843]