4-star safety Ricardo Jones commits to Clemson Tigers

Clemson was one of the more recent offers for Warner Robins (Ga.) Northside four-star safety Ricardo Jones, as the Tigers extended one on March 10. However, head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff quickly made an impact in his recruitment.

Jones took an official visit to Death Valley on the weekend of June 3 and told On3 that he left with Clemson as his “number one” school. Despite the 6-foot-3, 190-pound recruit going on an official to Florida State last weekend, the Tigers stayed in pole position and earned a commitment from Jones on Tuesday.

“Coach (Mickey) Conn, coach Wes (Goodwin), coach Swinney, I sat down in a meeting with all of them,” Jones told On3. “We were breaking down the defense, going through everything. They were telling me that they’re losing four safeties. I love the way they play. It was the cherry on top for me. Clemson has great coaches and a great culture. They’re losing four safeties, so they’re going to need young guys to come in and work hard. I feel like I have everything they’re looking for.”

Jones enjoyed his unofficial visit to the Tigers in May, which made him want to return for an official. That trip was also fun, especially because he got to spend time with some of the top players in the country.

They included Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews, Jefferson (Ga.) five-star linebacker Sammy Brown and Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic four-star wide receiver TJ Moore. Both Brown and Moore committed to Clemson over two days earlier this month.

“When Dabo was talking to me, he started to break down facts,” said Jones, the No. 143 overall prospect and No. 9 safety in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “He’s been at Clemson for almost 20 years. There’s a reason for that. You have to have great coaches, you have to have a great culture. I know he’s not leaving and I know I’m not going to go through any coaching change. I’m going to get into the program and try to get developed and go to the NFL.”

According to Jones, it was a “stressful” decision to choose the Tigers over some of the top college football programs in the country. But after talking with his family, the No. 22 player in Georgia realized he wanted to play for Swinney and Co.

“Everybody knows each other,” Jones said. “They’re family.”