Offers have been coming in weekly for juco defensive back Riyahd Jones (Columbus, Ga./Garden City Community College). On Wednesday, the former Columbus (Ga.) Carver standout felt he was ready to make his commitment, so he picked up the phone.
“I actually called Ole Miss to commit today, but they did not answer when I first called,” Jones said.
Then his phone rang.
“I got some information that Alabama was seriously interested,” Jones said. “They called my high school coach and my coaches at Georgia Southern.”
Then, his phone rang again.
“Then Coach [Scott] Lakatos at UGA called, and he told me to hold off on committing as long as I can,” Jones said. “He wants to get me down on an official visit later on this year. He loves my film, how physical I play and how I move my feet.”
Jones took it as a sign.
“Like my tweet said, God works in mysterious ways,” Jones said. “I was a missed phone call away from committing to four years of my life to a school. Maybe he has something bigger planned for me.”
At the moment, Jones says that Ole Miss and Kansas State stand out, but the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide could make things very interesting with an offer.
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“Georgia and Alabama are like dream schools,” Jones said. “I grew up a Georgia fan, and when Alabama got Julio Jones, I became an Alabama fan. Then when I got to junior college, my girlfriend was at Georgia so I became a Georgia fan all over again. I feel like I can hold out as long as possible for them two schools, because the chance to play for those two programs does not come around often. For them to even mention my name or put me on their board is a blessing.”
An offer from either program could lead to a quick decision for the 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback, who says he has 24 tackles, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two blocked field goals this year, one of which he returned 89 yards for a touchdown.
“If Georgia were to offer I would commit on the spot,” Jones said. “If Georgia and Alabama were to offer me at the same time, I would have to pick Georgia because it is my home state and my girlfriend goes there.”
Wednesday morning, Jones said he had set an official to Kentucky for Nov. 17. That night, Jones hinted that he would likely not make the trip
“I spoke to my family and they do not really want me taking the official to Kentucky because of what happened to me with them in high school,” Jones said.
