4-Star DB Jaylon Jones Commits to Ole Miss: 'This School Has a Great Program'

As a defensive back with more than 200 tackles for his varsity career, Jaylon Jones has made his mark on an Allen High School football team that has won three consecutive Texas state championships and last lost a game September 28, 2012.

In short, Jones is a ball hawk. And on Tuesday, the ball hawk let the world know he was ready to be a "Landshark."

Jones, a 4-star defensive back who can play safety and cornerback at the next level, committed to Ole Miss Tuesday morning and became the 18th commit for a strong class. He chose the Rebels over offers from Texas A&M, TCU, Ohio State, USC and Auburn.

It was a decision that ended what Jones called "a tough process."

"At the beginning, of course, I enjoyed it because it was something I've worked for since I was little," Jones said. "But things started to get stressful having to call coaches almost every night and setting up visits to different campuses.

"I had to keep a lot of things in mind, and a lot of factors played into me making my decision. I couldn't seek guidance or ask for anyone else's input outside of my parents because I really had to make the best decision for myself."

Jones recently took in Ole Miss on an unofficial visit. He said the trip to Oxford, Mississippi, helped make the decision a little easier after seeing the overall camaraderie on campus, combined with the vibe he felt in and around the city.

"Right when I got there, I felt at home," Jones said. "I had a bond with the coaches that made me feel very comfortable with them. When it comes to football, this school has a great program."

Jones then added: "The atmosphere of the town was amazing, especially the campus."

The commitment gives Ole Miss seven 4-star players and a 5-star quarterback in Shea Patterson for its 2016 class. Jones is a big get for the Rebels, as he became their second defensive back pledge. Jones joins fellow Texan Greg Eisworth, a 3-star safety from nearby Grand Prairie, Texas.

Jones was recruited by cornerbacks coach Jason Jones and wide receivers coach Grant Heard. The 5'11", 182-pound defensive back, ranked by 247Sports as the nation's No. 18 cornerback in the 2016 class, said he was recruited to play safety.

Jones is a defensive back with good speed and arguably better tackling skills. He recorded 117 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception as a junior. Jones put himself on the recruiting map as a sophomore when he had 102 tackles and four interceptions.

Credit: 247Sports

Jones participated in the Nike football combine at The Opening earlier this month and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds, ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.13 seconds, threw the power ball 41 feet and recorded a vertical jump of 34.6 inches.

It's Jones' versatility that may allow him early playing time in his college career. In addition to being able to play safety and cornerback, Jones also can be a reliable returner on special teams.

But Jones said he's looking forward to doing most of his damage in the secondary. And he's hoping for the chance to do it early and often.

"Their defense is reputable for being good," he said, referring to the "Landsharks," one of the most respected defensive units in the SEC. "It really did stand out to me."

Jones has 21 reported offers, according to 247Sports. He is ranked as the nation's No. 207 player overall. 

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles