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Virginia Tech Showing Lots of Interest in Former Mississippi State Commit Jalon Jones

Josh Jackson 1
Three-star QB Jalon Jones was one of Virginia Tech's two 2019 QB targets for months. When Jones committed to Mississippi State in late July, the Hokies shifted all their focus to Taquan Roberson, who committed to Penn State not long after. Since then, the Hokies have gone quiet on the quarterback front, especially with a solid young QB stable. However, the coaching carousel can change things in recruiting and it did recently after Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen left for Florida. After Mullen's move became official, Jalon Jones decided it was time to reopen his recruitment. https://twitter.com/j4ymyles/status/935193037365501953 Since then, Jones has received lots of interest from Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech assistant Galen Scott visited Jones Monday. Jalon Jones also told us that he has been in contact with the Hokies' coaching staff over the past few days along with other schools including Clemson, NC State, and Michigan. He told us that he would be "open to any conversations" that the Virginia Tech coaching staff would want to have. In addition, Jones told us that Virginia Tech and Louisville were contenders for him before he decided to commit to Mississippi State. Now, Jones is one of VT's top QB targets as he previously was. Jones told us that Justin Fuente said he would "fit perfectly in their offense" and that he "loves the type of offense they run." For QBs, liking the offense and feeling like you will actually fit in it are usually two important factors in their decision-making. It's even better news that the Hokies have already checked those boxes for Jones. While Virginia Tech was one of the first to show interest in Jones, they definitely aren't the only one on an offer list that is loaded with a pair of playoff contenders and five ranked teams in total.
  • ACC: Virginia Tech, Clemson, Louisville, Virginia
  • SEC: Alabama, Mississippi State
  • Big 10: Michigan State, Indiana
This looks like the offer list of a future four-star quarterback and those he's not rated that high yet, he will definitely have opportunities to earn a higher rating at camps in the spring. Jones called Mississippi State a "great place" and with a new head coach in place now in Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, it will be interesting to see if the Bulldogs shift their focus to other quarterbacks or continue to pursue Jones. Florida hasn't offered yet, but an offer definitely seems likely from the Gators. It would be surprising to see Dan Mullen shift his quarterback recruiting focus elsewhere, especially from a quarterback whom he clearly thinks fits his offense. All signs point to the fact that Jones is among the Hokies' top rated quarterbacks in the 2019 class. VT maintained interest in Jones while he was committed to Mississippi State as shown most significantly by VT visiting one of his games this fall. The Hokies should be seen as one of the top contenders for him along with fellow ACC programs Louisville and Clemson. Clemson's quick contact after the coaching change makes them a team of particular interest though it remains to be seen how significant their interest really is. For now, Virginia Tech has made it clear to Jalon Jones that they are seriously interested in him and ready to make a significant push for him. Going forward, it will be interesting to see what other schools emerge, especially once the dust settles from one of the craziest coaching carousels in recent memory.

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