When it comes to the battle for Omaha North defensive back Darion Jones, the Nebraska football team is officially trying to fight off four other teams. However, it’s possible that when all is said and done, the real team standing in the way of the Huskers easily landing the 3-star prospect is a team right next door.
Jones is going through his final official visit list and has narrowed it down to five: Nebraska, Kansas State, Minnesota, Iowa, and Iowa State. When the smoke clears, he’ll announce where he’s playing his college ball on July 4, and it’s thought that Matt Rhule and the Huskers are in a strong position.
Darion Jones’ June visits set stage for Nebraska-Iowa showdown in race for Omaha’s top defensive back
However, according to Rivals’ recruiting analyst, the real fight might be between the Nebraska football team and the Iowa Hawkeyes. It appears that when Jones comes to Lincoln one more time on June 13, Rhule and company will get their chance to make a final push and reel the in-state prospect into the fold.
If they are not able to shut the door on Darion Jones’ recruitment, the Hawkeyes could be a pesky problem.
Jones is on his first official visit of the final five this weekend, taking in what PJ Fleck and the Golden Gophers can offer him at the next level. He’ll then visit Kansas State on June 3 and Iowa State on June 6.
Then he’ll see the Cornhuskers on June 13 and then wrap up his visits with the Hawkeyes on June 20. Rhule, defensive coordinator John Butler, and the rest of the staff will not be happy that Kirk Ferentz will get to make the final on-campus sales pitch.
There is also an extra factor in this race. Jones grew up an Iowa fan, despite growing up in Omaha. Jones told Hawk Fanatic he wanted to go against the grain at an early age.
“Growing up an Iowa fan in Nebraska ain’t that common,” he told the site. “So, I wanted to be different and like them.”
It’s not just being a contrarian that drives Jones, but it might give Iowa an edge.
“They would be a really good fit because of the relationship I built with coach (Phil) Parker and coach (LeVar) Woods. They have sent many people to the league (NFL), and I think I can fit that standard.”
While he had many good things to say about Ferentz’s program, most recruiting analysts still have Darian Jones leaning towards the Nebraska football team. But this race will be a nail-biter until it’s officially over.