CB Deon Jones becomes another blue-chip prospect to stay home

Potomac (MD.) four-star cornerback Deon Jones becomes another local prospect to join the DMV to UMD Movement when he committed to Maryland on July 6.

This is an extremely big pickup for Head Coach D.J. Durkin and his Terps squad. Jones is the No. 3 player in Maryland, and the No. 13 cornerback in the 2017 class, according to 247sports. He is behind five-star defensive end Josh Kaindoh as the highest rated recruit in Maryland’s class.

Jones chose Maryland over Clemson, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Michigan State, and many others. Brian Dohn of Scout.com thinks Jones has the speed to go toe to toe with any receiver.

“When it comes to coverage down the field, Jones has the speed to keep up with a receiver,” Dohn said in a scouting report on Deon. “He is also tight into and out of his breaks, and he is instinctual.”

Dohn also mentions Jones’ solid footwork and his ability to play off in coverage.

“Jones gets low and is smooth in his back pedal, and he drives well on the ball in front of him,” Dohn said. “He is loose and fluid with his hips, and his footwork is clean. He can play off in coverage or press at the line of scrimmage.”

Jones will fill in a cornerback role that’s much needed in the Terps program since Will Likely is set to graduate after this season. He will be joining the No. 19 recruiting class in the nation that features quarterback Kasim Hill, defensive tackle Cam Spence and offensive lineman Jordan McNair.