4-star safety Ricardo Jones: ‘Clemson is number one’ after visit

Clemson blew Warner Robins (Ga.) Northside Warner Robins four-star safety Ricardo Jones away this weekend. The No. 132 overall prospect in the 2024 On3 Industry rankings took an official visit to Clemson from Friday to Sunday.

Jones walked out of Clemson’s facility with potentially a new leader in his recruitment.

“They’re number one now,” Jones told On3. “They’re up there, to be honest.”

The Tigers impressed on multiple levels. Jones was one of four safeties on campus this weekend. He left with a clear message that he was one of the priorities in the class of 2024. Jones feels like Clemson is a place where he is a need and a want.

“That means a lot because I want to go to a place where I’m needed,” Jones said. “Knowing they are losing four safeties and the coach stays on me is big. They showed us a chart. Clemson only offered 59 players, they only offered three or four safeties and all of us were down here. That showed us how much they need us. I know if I go there, I’m needed and I’m loved and I’d be in the right spot.”

Dabo Swinney a pleasant surprise for Ricardo Jones

Jones met Swinney during spring practice after he visited for the first time. This weekend Jones got an extended look at the longtime head coach.

Swinney’s personality connected with Jones.

“I didn’t know Dabo acted like he does,” Jones said. “He’s a real dude. He made a big impression on me. I met him during spring practice, but that’s short talk. Sitting down and talking to him and him telling me he feels about me meant a lot.”

Swinney complimented Jones’ on-field play but also complimented Jones as a person and how he’d fit into the high-character culture in place at Clemson.

“He talked about how great of a player I am, watching my film and telling me how and what I could do for this program,” Jones said. “He said ‘we know you can play football’ it’s all the other stuff you can do, the leadership you bring and the energy you bring, you come in smiling is what makes you special.’ This is the head coach telling me this. That means a lot to me. I’ve never really had a head coach talk to me like that before.”

Vic Burley playing a role for Clemson

Four-star defensive line signee in the class of 2023, Vic Burley, has been actively recruiting Jones. Burley and Jones are both from Warner Robins. Burley’s mother works at Northside Warner Robins.

“Me and Vic talk a lot, his mom works and my high school,” Jones said. “She comes in with her Clemson stuff on every day. She really wants me to go there. Me and Vic talk all the time. We’re tight.”

On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has Florida State out front for Jones at the moment. The Seminoles have a 32.1 percent chance of landing the four-star safety. It appears the Tigers are now strong competition for the Seminoles.

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