Two official visits set for Florida four-star DT Artavius Jones
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A two-way force in the trenches for Blountstown High School (Fla.), Artavius Jones is fun to watch get after it on the gridiron. The 2024 big man is unbelievably athletic for his size (6-3.5, 305) and brings a can of whoop ass with him on each snap of the ball. Next level scouts are liking him as their defensive tackle of the future extending 24 offers in total. Two teams are leading the charge with official visits set but all is not lost for those trying to land the four-star.
Adding to the domination seen on the field are the verified weightlifting exploits off it.
“I won state in weightlifting in the heavy weights,” Jonse said. “My bench max is 420, my clean is 305 but I can get more than that. They capped me at 500 on squat. They don’t let me go beyond 500 but I feel that I can get 575.”
Tourism and rental car dollars collected in the Blountstown area can be traced directly back to Jones. The very long list of teams that have stopped by this spring was shared.
“Florida State, Florida, UConn, FAU, Alabama State, Georgia State, Tennessee, Indiana, Western Kentucky, Miami, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Clemson, Boston College, Alabama, Mississippi State, Memphis, and UNC Charlotte,” Jones stated.”
Florida, Oregon, Kentucky, and Kansas are among the teams showing interest in Jones with another half dozen working on building the bond leading to official visits and a hopeful commitment.
“Miami, Florida State, USF, Mississippi State, Indiana, and Troy are reaching out the most,” Jones shared.
Two unofficial visits are being set for Jones.
“I am going to Miami and Tennessee,” Jones said.
The Hurricanes have an edge on the recruiting trail with Jones.
“I love Miami,” Jones shared. “It would be great to go down there for a visit. I grew up as a fan to be honest. I really love coach Joe (Salave’a – DL). It feels like family down there to be honest.”
The trip to Knoxville will be one to explore the culture and vibe of the Volunteers.
“I am going up there for a cookout, I want to see how it is,” Jones stated.
Two official visits are set.
“June 1-3 I am going to UCF on an official visit, and June 25-27 I am going to Miami,” Jones said.
The culture and vibe created in Orlando by head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff is a draw to UCF.
“I just like UCF,” Jones shared. “It feels like a great place. I feel the vibe there. Coach (Ricky) Martin (DT) is a great coach. I like (DT) Ricky Barber; I’ve been watching him since he was at Western Kentucky. I like (DT) John Walker, he’s an early enrollee at UCF.”