Georgia 2024 cornerback Demello Jones made an impact all over the field for Swainsboro High School last season.
The 6-foot-1, 176-pound prospect saw time as a running back, wide receiver and cornerback, displaying versatility that caught Ohio State’s attention. OSU cornerbacks coach Tim Walton was impressed enough with Jones and extended him an offer on Jan. 19.
“To get an offer from Ohio State is just truly a blessing,” Jones told Eleven Warriors. “They are most definitely one of my top schools.”
BLESSED AND THANKFUL to receive my 20th offer from Ohio State buckeyes!!!! @CoachTimWalton @247Sports @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong247 @Mansell247 @LemmingReport @scottroberts11 @_DwightSmith @n_david88 pic.twitter.com/8xWNsU3bzg
— 1 (@TheMelloJones) January 19, 2023
While Jones’ versatility stood out to Walton, the Georgia standout is being recruited by the Buckeyes primarily as a cornerback.
“He likes that I'm a multi-position player and that I can do it all and also play any position that I want to,” Jones said. “Coach Walton is a great guy and we keep in contact every day. Ohio State is a powerhouse program and I think anybody would feel good to be wearing that Buckeye uniform.”
In 2022, Jones made 44 tackles and six pass breakups as a cornerback. Offensively, he ran for 1,279 yards on 122 carries (10.5 yards per carry) with 20 touchdowns while catching 14 passes for 382 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He’s picked up 15 Division I offers, including Alabama, Georgia, Colorado, Florida State, Kentucky, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and UCF.
Jones said he plans on visiting Ohio State soon, but does not have a specific date confirmed as of yet. He also said he’s working on establishing a commitment timeline, but does not have one in mind at the moment. In his recruitment, Jones said relationships are valuable to him.
“When looking in a school I’d like to see what will benefit me for after college, not just while I’m there," he said. "I’d like to be around good people every day and go someplace that will give me the best education.”
Reddell plans to take visit to OSU
One of Ohio State’s tight end targets in the 2024 class is planning on a return trip to Ohio State.
Four-star Missouri tight end Jaden Reddell told Eleven Warriors he hopes to visit OSU in either the spring or summer, though he doesn’t yet have a date confirmed.
Reddell visited OSU in November for the Buckeyes’ matchup against Indiana.
“I had an amazing time at Ohio State, the environment was amazing,” Reddell told Eleven Warriors. “I loved talking to all the coaches they were all caring and easy to talk to. I loved the place, can’t wait to go back.”
Marsh planning to visit OSU in the summer
One of the top wide receivers in the 2025 class is expected to make a trip to Columbus this summer.
Four-star 2025 Texas wideout Andrew Marsh told Eleven Warriors he plans on making his second trip to Columbus this summer, likely for a recruiting camp as the 52nd-best prospect and 13th-ranked wideout in the 2025 cycle per 247Sports’ composite rankings is still in search of an OSU offer. Marsh visited OSU last year in November for the Indiana game.
“At the game, I was able to talk to coach Day and coach Hartline,” Marsh said after his visit. “During the conversation, both asked if I could see myself playing there and if I could stand playing in the cold. All of the recruiting team was nice. (The next day) I had a more in-depth time there. I was able to see the football facility and meet with different departments. The place is huge. I see that everything is up-tempo. Talking to coach, I learned about the style of play for their receivers and their expectations of all players. This visit made a lasting impression on me and I will be back.”
