Cross’ Jones commits to Rutgers, decommits day later

As quickly as Travis Jones made a verbal commitment to play football at Rutgers, just as quickly came his decommitment.

Jones, an offensive lineman from Wilbur Cross, verbally committed to play for the Scarlet Knights on Friday. But Jones said once he returned home, after a family discussion, they decided the decision came too quickly.

“My mom said it didn’t feel right after I committed and came home,” Jones said.

Jones said his mom, Joycelyn Ward, contacted a member of the Rutgers coaching staff Saturday morning to let them know of their latest decision.

Jones, who will be a senior for Cross this fall, said Rutgers remains a possibility, along with UConn, Temple, Boston College and Buffalo.

“I need to have a good environment in the academic part of it,” Jones said. “The coaching staff and the school has to be the right fit.”

The 6-foot-4, 335-pound Jones, 17, helped the Governors gain over 1,500 yards rushing last season to earn a spot on the Register’s All-Area team and Second Team All-State. He was also an All-Southern Connecticut Conference selection.

Wilbur Cross coach John Acquavita said he will sit down with the family and make a decision that best fits Jones’ future.

“The process caught up with them, got a little bit hectic and confusing and they felt (Jones) had jumped the gun,” Acquavita said. “We will sit down together and find the best place for him.”

Acquavita said Jones is still working toward qualifying academically.