IOL Keiton Jones commits to Missouri: 'Missouri checked the boxes for me'

Missouri has some momentum on the recruiting trail. The Tigers added offensive tackle Lamont Rogers on Saturday. Donovan Olugbode and Jayvan Boggs, two four-star wide receivers, added their name to the commitment list earlier this month and interior offensive lineman Keiton Jones joined them on Sunday.

“After my unofficial visit to Missouri in the spring, I knew,” Jones told On3. “It was different. I am a relationships guy and I based my recruitment on relationships, so when I connected with the Missouri coaches like I did, I knew my decision.”

He took official visits to make sure, but nothing changed. Arkansas and Kansas State gave the On300 talent out of Coffeyville (Kan.) Field Kindley something to think about, but the Tigers stayed on top of his list.

“Missouri checked the boxes for me. It was about the people. Since they offered me on Feb. 21, they recruited me hard and they went about it in a different way. It wasn’t always football, NIL, money or things like that, but they got to know me. They made me feel like I was already part of the family not long after they offered me.

“Something about Missouri felt different. The people are great and they were real. They are an SEC school, they have established themselves as a top program and I have great relationships with the coaches.”

Jones is excited about playing for Jones and Drinkwitz

Jones has over 20 offers. Arkansas was his first SEC offer. Missouri was second. His dream was to play in the SEC and he gets to do that for a coaching staff he has bonded with. Offensive line coach Brandon Jones was his lead recruiter.

“Coach Jones focused on me, he prioritized me and he wanted me,” Jones said. “He put his focus on me and I loved that. He is a great guy who keeps it real and I love how he pays great attention to detail when he is coaching. Coach Jones wants his guys to get better, he always corrects their mistakes and my relationship with him was big in my decision.”

Elijah Drinkwitz led Missouri to an 11 win season in 2023. He was a big part of Jones’ commitment to the SEC program in Columbia as well.

“I really like how coach Drinkwitz is involved with his team. He has relationships with his players, they can go talk to him and he really meshes with his players. I am excited about the direction of the program and playing for coach Drinkwitz. He is a family guy and a great coach.”