Paradise Camp completes in-state trifecta for Jones
American Heritage standout DE follows up UF, FSU visits with stop at UM event
CORAL GABLES — American Heritage defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2022 class.
But while other recruits were urgently visiting schools when the dead period ended on June 1, Jones has taken a slower approach.
“It hasn’t been too crazy,” Jones said. “I only went to Florida and Florida State, so I didn’t have too crazy of a June.”
Jones said the highlight of his unofficial visit to Florida was getting to see how he could potentially fit into the Gators’ defense.
“They showed me a lot of packages, defenses that they think I can fit in,” Jones said. “Everything stood out in regards to that.”
On his unofficial visit to FSU, Jones appreciated how warmly he was received.
“Florida State showed me a lot of love, as usual,” Jones said.
Jones’ father, Marvin Jones Sr., was a star linebacker for the Seminoles in the 1990s. The younger Jones said he enjoyed visiting the campus his father starred on, but that was not the only factor influencing his recruitment.
“It’s always cool,” Jones said. “Sometimes I try to get away from that stuff. It’s not always about my dad.”
Jones’ June trips to Florida’s “Big Three” football programs wrapped up on Saturday when he participated in the Miami Hurricanes’ Paradise Camp. He previously took an unofficial visit to Miami on June 1.
“It was amazing,” Jones said. “Definitely cool seeing all the old players and legends
come back. Being with coach (Jess) Simpson. It was cool.”
Jones is a dominant force on the Patriots’ defense. He had 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and a team-leading 13 sacks as a junior. He was a first-team All-County pick for the 2020 season.
Jones is rated a fourstar prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings and is the top-rated player in Broward County. He is listed as the No. 9 defensive lineman and No. 51 player in the class.
Jones said he will take official visits to Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and Oklahoma in the fall, and he has one other official visit he can set up. He said he probably won’t make his college decision until December.
“Obviously, (I want to see) the coaches’ résumé,” Jones said. “I want to see how I fit in the defense and everybody’s personality.”