Florida State is in the final running for a highly-touted four-star prospect out of St. Thomas Aquinas, who has the NFL in his family tree.
Florida State football landed on the short list for one highly-touted four-star prospect.
But this isn't just any explosive recruit. The receiver and in-state talent has NFL representation already in his family tree -- as he's the nephew of a past Pro Bowl running back.
Julius Jones of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, revealed his top eight schools Friday via Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals. All eight are blue-blood programs, and Florida State fans will welcome the fact that the Seminoles made the cut.
Miami rises as the only Atlantic Coast Conference challenger to FSU. Florida is one other Sunshine State challenger.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound speedster brings tremendous athletic gifts to the field.
His uncle is former top-10 NFL draft pick Thomas Jones -- best known for delivering five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and earning a 2008 Pro Bowl nod. Jones also scored a combined 27 touchdowns in 2008 and 2009.
The tailback went at No. 7 to the Arizona Cardinals out of ACC-rival Virginia. Jones racked up 10,591 yards and 68 rushing scores in his 12-season career. In retirement, he's turned to acting, and was a featured cameo on "Straight Outta Compton," while also appearing in the TV shows "All-American" and "Hawaii Five-O."
Jones isn't the only NFL representative here. The receiver's father, Julius, also played in the league. He starred at Notre Dame from 1999 to 2003 before the Dallas Cowboys grabbed him in the second round of the 2004 draft.
The elder Jones later suited up for the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. He totaled 5,068 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns in his career.
Now the St. Thomas Aquinas receiver earns his chance at becoming a prized recruit at the collegiate level. He starred for St. Thomas, one of Florida's and the nation's prep powerhouses, right away -- as a freshman, Jones scored from 47 yards out in a state-title game appearance.
Jones Jr. ignited his recruitment by delivering these sophomore numbers: 51 catches for 750 yards and eight touchdowns. He eventually landed 22 scholarship offers.
Jones would be a massive in-state pickup if Noles coach Mike Norvell and elevated offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. can close the deal.
FSU now aim to lock in a future visit for Jones Jr. Florida State will have already hosted four-star defensive back commit Mekhi Williams and fellow four-star defensive lineman Sam LeJune once June arrives.
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