Emory Jones, the No. 2 dual-threat QB propect in 2018, picks Buckeyes

ByGERRY HAMILTON
July 29, 2016, 1:10 PM

— -- It's safe to say Ohio State is dominating on the recruiting trail. The school already held the No. 1 spot in the class of 2017 rankings, and coach Urban Meyer made an early statement about the 2018 class on Friday.

Emory Jones, the No. 2-ranked dual-threat signal-caller in the junior class, committed to Ohio State over Tennessee, Clemson, Georgia and a host of others Friday morning, getting the class of 2018 jump-started.

The 6-foot-2, 193-pound quarterback made a number of unofficial visits in June and July, including trips last week to Knoxville and Columbus, before announcing his decision today. Ohio State was considered the favorite for much of the spring and summer.

Jones' commitment will add to what is already an impressive group of quarterbacks who are either already at Ohio State or heading to Columbus. Meyer has landed ESPN 300 quarterbacks in each of the last four classes, including Under Armour All-America Game selection Dwayne Haskins Jr. in February, and Tate Martell, who is committed in the 2017 class.

Jones is not the first top national recruit out of the Peach State to pick Ohio State. Former starting safety Vonn Bell signed with Ohio State in the 2013 class, and starting inside linebacker and preseason All-American pick Raekwon McMillan selected the Buckeyes in the 2015 class.

Jones' verbal commitment adds to Ohio State's already-considerable momentum. The Buckeyes' 2017 class is currently ranked No. 1 with a bevy of ESPN 300 verbals, including cornerback Shaun Wade, tackle Josh Myers, defensive end Chase Young, tackle/guard Wyatt Davis, safety Isaiah Pryor and running back J.K. Dobbins, who all made the Top 100 of the prestigious list.

Jones is the second commitment for Ohio State in the 2018 class, joining Sunshine State running back Brian Snead out of Tampa-area power Armwood High.