By Gary Lloyd
CLAY — Recruiting continues to heat up for a Clay-Chalkville rising senior defensive end, and he’s named a Southeastern Conference school as his favorite.
Kendell Jones said Mississippi State feels like home.
“Mississippi State is on top right now,” Jones said.
Jones said he will likely make his college decision known right before the 2014 season starts or in the middle of the season.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Jones has other scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina State, South Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Troy and Western Kentucky.
Jones will anchor a defense that returns nine starters this season. Clay-Chalkville allowed 147 total yards to Parker in eight possessions in two quarters in a spring football game that Clay-Chalkville won 21-0 on May 16.
“I expect us to have some pretty good games this year,” Jones said.
Jones faced several double teams against Parker. He said he had never been double-teamed coming off the edge.
“I just had to hold my ground, fight and hold my ground,” Jones said. “I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do and fight.”
As a junior last season, Jones totaled 18.5 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.