The Recruiting Guy

A year later, Jones still excited to be a Hog

Smackover's Jordan Jones runs in a pass for their second TD in the first quarter during their 3A state championship football game Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Arkansas has 12 commitments for the 2016 class and Smackover receiver Jordan Jones started the pledges off when he told Coach Bret Bielema he wanted to be a Hog on June 19 of last year.

A year of being an Arkansas commitment has flown by.

“It’s kind of crazy, it’s an amazing family,” Jones said. “They treat me like family every time I go up there.”

Jones (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) received his scholarship offer from Arkansas after clocking 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Hogs’ camp last summer. He added offers from Alabama and Ole Miss during the spring evaluation period.

The Crimson Tide and Rebels stay in touch.

“They’ll check in about once a week,” Jones said.

Jones recorded 37 receptions for 808 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, averaging 21.8 yards per catch.

In 2013, he was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's All-Arkansas Preps Super Sophomore team after having 25 catches for 687 yards and 10 touchdowns, with an average of 27.4 yards per reception.

He’s looking forward to life in Fayetteville.

“I’m ready to experience new things and try and help the hometown team get a few more wins,” Jones said.

He has gained 10 pounds since last summer and has increased his bench press from 235 pounds to 260 pounds. He increased his squat from 375 pounds to 425 pounds.

Jones and Arkansas sophomore receiver Jared Cornelius have become good friends in a short period of time.

“The first time we met we just kind of clicked He tried and put me wing and let me hang out with him,” Jones said. “We have a great relationship.”