4-star DL Artavius Jones took Florida State visit before attending Miami Hurricanes BBQ: “I’m just exploring”

Blountstown (Fla.) four-star 2024 defensive tackle Artavius Jones hasn’t completely shut down his recruitment despite committing to Miami earlier this month, but he reaffirmed his pledge to the Hurricanes at the program’s end-of-July recruiting barbecue Saturday.

Jones, the No. 167 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 21 defensive lineman, quietly visited Florida State earlier in the week but was back on Miami’s campus Saturday for his second and final July visit before the dead period begins Aug. 1. The Hurricanes are still in good standing with Jones and are still the clear leader for the 6-foot-2, 285-pound tackle.

“They have a good football program, a good academic program being a private school,” Jones said. “I’m still definitely down with Miami for sure. This is my home, to be honest. I love these guys. I’m just exploring.”

Jones said his contact with the Hurricanes has increased since committing July 14, telling CaneSport he talks to Miami’s coaching staff daily and he feels his relationship has improved over the last two weeks.

“If I’m being honest, they put more pressure on me (since committing),” Jones said. “They talk to me every single day, text me every single day. It’s nothing but love, and they show more love than any other school. They show me more love than any coaching staff, and they’re just great people. (Co-defensive line coaches Joe Salave’a and Jason Taylor), I love both of them. They’re great, great coaches. They both played in the NFL, and you’ve got a head coach that was a lineman, so it just worked out perfectly.”

Jones added he’d “still hear what they have to say” if other programs attempt to make late recruiting pushes. He was also impressed by Miami’s weekend barbecue and enjoyed his interactions with Salave’a, who has served as his primary recruiter.

“The guys, the food, talking to other people here, it’s always fun to communicate with your future teammates,” Jones said. “It’s fun to get out here and play with your teammates.”

CaneSport’s Take

Miami is still in a comfortable position with Jones, and there isn’t reason for Hurricane fans to sweat yet. The Hurricanes have done a tremendous job recruiting the four-star prospect and appeared to reaffirm their position this weekend, but if Florida State makes a strong late push, Miami could have some competition for Jones, even though the Canes are still in an encouraging position.

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