USF a top contender for in-state cornerback Robert Jones III

The recruiting process for Vero Beach (Fla.) High’s Robert Jones III is heating up with him taking official visits throughout the June and a commitment date scheduled for the end of the month.

On May 31, Jones, a three-star prospect, No. 48 cornerback nationally and No. 59 prospect from Florida according to On3, announced a top seven schools list of UCF, N.C. State, USF, Louisville and Illinois.

This weekend, Jones was at N.C. State for an official visit. He has three more OVs lined up as well: UCF June 14, USF June 18 and Illinois June 21.

USF actually got to host him for an unofficial visit before the summer began. Jones was in Tampa May 25, a visit that went really well.  

“Really, seeing Coach DVD (DeMarcus Van Dyke) — that man is so hype,” Jones told On3 regarding the highlights of the visit. “We were playing home run derby and doing a slip-and-slide. We had a lot of fun. I’m thankful for Coach DVD for everything; he’s been loyal from the jump.”

The “Bay Bash” recruiting event included USF’s commits and top targets in the 2025 class, and it was a visit like none other for the recruits. Jones knew there’d fun and games going into the trip, but it even exceeded his expectations.

But at the same time, Jones discussed his recruiting process with the staff. USF would love nothing more than to have Jones in its class, but he’s going to keep taking his trips.

“Really to come be a Bull (was USF’s pitch), but I still have choices,” he said. “I’m going to take my official visits, and there on my list.”

USF is the team to beat in Jones’ recruiting process according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

“My favorite thing about USF is being connected with Coach DVD,” Jones said. “It’s been different ever since he got there.”

Jones’ commitment date is scheduled for June 29.

“I want to play from Day 1,” said Jones. “If I could be a starter right away at a school, then I’d love to go there. And academics is important of course.”

USF currently has nine commitments in the 2025 class. According to On3, the highest ranked player currently committed to the Bulls is Port Saint Lucie (Fla.) St. Lucie West Centennial’s Brooks Williams, the No. 54 EDGE in America.