Nov. 12--Evanston defensive tackle Naquan Jones reopened his recruitment Tuesday, five months after he verbally committed to Michigan State.
Jones, the No. 2 senior prospect in the state in 247Sports' composite recruiting rankings, announced the decision via Twitter.
"Basically, I wanted to get out there more and see what was out there," Jones said Wednesday. "I never had really had that opportunity before I committed. I went to Notre Dame and Illinois, but I didn't get to go anywhere where I was most interested in.
"Of my first top five schools, I never visited any of those schools except Michigan State. It was kind of fall in love at first sight thing."
The 6-foot-4, 327-pounder committed to Michigan State on June 8, the same day that Lake Park defensive lineman Mike Panasiuk chose the Spartans. The duo was part of a large contingent of Illinois' best Class of 2016 players who committed to MSU, a group that also includes Hinsdale South defensive end Josh King, Hinsdale Central offensive lineman Matt Allen and Fremd safety Kenney Lyke.
Jones said he recently told Michigan State's coaches that he wanted to visit other schools but that he still planned to stay committed to the Spartans.
"They didn't think too highly of it, or weren't too excited with me," Jones said. "I kind of started feeling a disconnection there that they didn't trust me to check out other places. I want to experience my entire recruiting process, and if that means I have to open up my entire recruiting, then I guess that's what I have to do."
Jones is suddenly one of the most sought-after undeclared seniors in the country. A four-star recruit, Jones has been offered a scholarship by 18 schools, including Ohio State, Florida, Mississippi, Nebraska, Michigan, Penn State, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Illinois.
He has scheduled an official visit to Ole Miss in January, and also plans to visit Florida and possibly Nebraska.
"I'm just waiting to see some new schools that come in and see where the interest falls," Jones said. "I'm open to all schools right now. I'm not ready to make another top five or say a certain school has the lead. Any school that shows interest, I'm open to all schools. It's back to square one."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
