Gamecocks settling in for long recruiting battle for OT Caden Jones
By Chris Burgin/SPORTSTALK / July 8, 2022
In recruiting, it’s good to be wanted. Well, that is certainly the case for OT Caden Jones (6-7 305) of New Orleans. The mammoth 2023 prospect has an offer sheet that runs the alphabet from Alabama A&M to West Virginia.Recently, the rising senior at De La Salle High School trimmed his list to ten schools, including USC. The others on his short list are Florida State, Houston, Minnesota, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Howard.
Though he’s yet to visit Columbia, Jones says he’s already developed a rapport with the Gamecocks’ staff.
“They showed me that they care about their players,” Jones said. “I haven’t really been up there, so I don’t know what their coaching style is, but I can tell you they’re great coaches and care about their players. They like my upside, my athleticism, and my ability to play tackle and get so low at such a high height.”
Jones did make unofficial visits to Florida, Florida State, Houston, Texas and Texas A&M this spring and summer. And he’s planning a multi-day return visit to Florida the end of this month.
Jones says he’s in no rush to make a decision. He plans to cut his list in half and from there work on his final choice.
“After I drop my top five, it won’t be long until I commit,” Jones said, cautioning that his decision will follow official visits during the season. In fact, Jones intends to take it to signing day in February before making his decision.