4-Star Miami DL Commit Artavius Jones Keeps Door Open For Tennessee

The Tennessee Volunteers officially offered 2024 four-star Kentucky defensive lineman commit Artavius Jones (Blountstown, Fla.) ahead of his senior season.

Four-star defensive lineman Artavius Jones took to Twitter late Wednesday night to remind folks that he does have an official offer from Tennessee. The 6-foot-3-inch, 280-pound defensive lineman out of Florida is already a hard commit to Miami, but that isn’t stopping Tennessee from trying. In fact, they’re not the only SEC school not giving up on Jones. He tweeted about an offer from Mississippi State just moments after his tweet about the Vols. Jones committed just last month, but Tennessee still has plenty of time to make a late push. A lot of things can happen between the start and end of a senior season of high school, and at minimum, they keep their name in the conversation by offering.

Jones is an athlete. Last year at Blountstown High School, he averaged over 10 points per game on the hardwood in addition to his great work on the gridiron. Even on the football field, he is versatile. He has caught three touchdowns over his last two seasons and ran one in as a junior, too. Obviously, the 280-pounder’s future does not lie as a ball carrier, but it shows the athleticism and versatility he brings to the defensive line. In 2022, Jones registered 58 total tackles, including 14 for a loss and three-and-a-half sacks. 

4-star Miami DL commit Artavius Jones during his official visit to Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, on June 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Artavius Jones)

He also came up with an interception, pass defended, forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. The interior lineman’s foot speed is something to behold. His get-off is insane for a player of his size, and once he gets to his destination, he finishes with power. This athleticism allows him to serve as a lead blocker offensively, too, so maybe there is a future for him as a jumbo tight end one day. Jones’ tweet from Wednesday could be nothing, or it could be something, so we’ll just have to monitor him going forward.

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