N.C. defensive back has clear favorite

Cove City (N.C.) West Craven defensive back DeAndre Jones is coming off a strong performance at South Carolina's summer camp, and currently has three scholarship offers to his credit.

"South Carolina, North Carolina and East Carolina have offered me," the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Jones said. "I also like NC State and Florida State."

Jones, who bench presses almost 300 pounds, enjoyed his time at South Carolina.

"My dad and I went down there for their camp, and they treated us like family," he said. "I ran a 4.43 (in the 40-yard dash) while I was down there. Their stadium is real nice, and they have like 85,000 fans there for every home game. Coach (Brad) Lawing is recruiting me for them. He's a good guy. I like him."

Jones, who grabbed five interceptions as a junior, also attended camp at East Carolina.

"I like the coaches at ECU. My cousin, Pierre Bell, plays for them, and it would good to be able to play with family. Coach (Donnie) Thompson is my recruiter from ECU, and I like him, too."

North Carolina rounds out Jones' top three.

"I really like how UNC is on TV a lot. I'm really looking to play on TV a lot in college, and I know I could do that there. They also are known as a good school. I'm going up there later this month."

Jones, whose vertical leap is 31 inches, knows what he's looking for in a school.

"Academics are number one for me," he said. "I also want to come into a situation with a good depth chart so I'll have a chance to play early in my career. The last thing is I want to play for a good coaching staff."

Jones says he has a clear favorite as of today.

"It's South Carolina. I like them a lot, but I'm still going to try to wait things out before I make a decision. It's probably going to be around signing day."

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