DeStefano's commitment came as "no surprise" to Oliver Jones

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Mon May 23 21:36:36 GMT-05:00 2011

Ninety Six offensive lineman Oliver Jones Oliver Jones

Offensive Line

6-5, 292

Ninety Six, SC

View Full Profile has developed a strong friendship with fellow 2012 offensive lineman recruit Patrick DeStefano Patrick DeStefano

Offensive Line

6-4, 275

Roebuck, SC

View Full Profile over the past year, and as a result, he says that DeStefano’s decision to go ahead and commit to Clemson on Monday came as no surprise.

In fact, he says he knew about the decision before almost anybody else.

“I knew about it quite a while back,” the 6-6, 284-pound 3-star tackle told TigerNet Monday. “He told me, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. I am happy for him. I am not really that surprised that he went and ahead and decided to commit.

“He is not really that kind of guy who likes to play games. He is pretty straightforward and honest, and he isn’t the type of guy who is going to commit, and then de-commit and talk to a lot of different schools. I might be a little bit surprised that he didn’t wait until a little bit later, but he felt like this was his time. He made the right decision for him.”

Jones has offers from Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina, East Carolina and North Carolina State, and he says he wants to take a few more visits before he decides to commit.

“I have a few places that I want to see this summer,” he said. “I want to go to South Carolina, North Carolina and Auburn, and just see what those places are like. If I don’t make a decision this summer, then I definitely want to make one before my senior season starts.”

The pair has developed a strong bond since the recruiting process began, and even made several unofficial visits together to Clemson this past spring.

However, Jones said he won't let the DeStefano decision sway him – he still wants to make sure he finds the right fit.

“I am happy for him, but I still have to go out there and find the place that makes me happy,” he said. “I love Clemson, and I would love to play with Patrick. But I just want to see some other places and make sure I make the best decision for me and my family. Clemson was my first offer, so I am pretty high on them.”