Mooney’s Jones commits to UK

May 9, 2014 at 12:06a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Jordan Jones’ first offer turned out to be his best offer.

The Cardinal Mooney linebacker became the latest Cardinal to commit to the University of Kentucky, verbally committing to the Wildcats on Thursday morning.

“I felt like there was no difference between committing now and committing in February,” said Jones, who plans to enroll early in January. “I knew where I wanted to go.”

Kentucky is coached by Cardinal Mooney graduate Mark Stoops, whose lead recruiter, Vince Marrow, is also a Mooney grad. They already have two former Cardinals on the roster — running back Braylon Heard, who transferred from Nebraska, and cornerback Marcus McWilson, who saw action as a true freshman last fall — and have recruited well at other Valley high schools.

Former Fitch standouts Demetrious Davis (a running back) and Chris Davis (a DB) are also on Kentucky’s roster after transferring from Pittsburgh. Youngstown Christian DE TyMere Dubose and Niles OL Josh Krok signed with the team in the 2014 recruiting class.

“A big part of the reason why I chose Kentucky was Coach Marrow and Coach Stoops,” Jones. “They went to Mooney and I know I’ll be taken care of. And I feel like I have a better chance of playing early than I would at the other schools.”

Kentucky also benefited from its location — it’s less than five hours from Youngstown — and its conference.

“A big part of it was playing in the SEC,” Jones said. “I feel like I’ll be really tested there.”

Kentucky was the first school to offer Jones, who chose the Wildcats over a dozen offers, including Oklahoma (where Stoops’ brother, Bob, is the head coach), Nebraska (where Mooney grad Bo Pelini coaches), Michigan State (where former YSU assistant Mark Dantonio is the head coach and Ursuline High graduate Pat Narduzzi is the defensive coordinator).

Jones was a first team All-Ohioan last season for the Cardinals, who lost in the Division IV state championship game. He had 123 tackles, including 27 for loss (10 sacks), five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He is a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports and Scout.

Jones’ father is also a Mooney grad who played at Ohio State.

“My dad helped me through the whole process,” Jones said. “And I have two brothers who helped me, but it was pretty much my dad who helped the most.”