Penn State picked up another verbal commitment this weekend, getting a pledge from New York lineman Da’Quan Jones.
Jones became the Nittany Lions’ 10th verbal commitment for their 2010 recruiting class and the second of what was expected to be a busy weekend. Penn State hosted its senior only camp Friday and Saturday and secure a commitment from Virginia defensive tackle Evan Hailes on Friday.
Jones is a dual prospect who could wind up at guard or defensive tackle. There’s no film of him on Rivals.com, but here is the evaluation listed under his profile on ESPN.com. They list him as either an offensive tackle or outside linebacker, but at 6-foot-4 he’s a tad short for OT and at 300 pounds a bit big for OLB. Nonetheless, here’s what they had to say about Jones.
Jones flashes
upper body explosion and good hand shiver; able to defeat the one on
one block but lacks agility in space; displays sure tackling ability.
We feel he is a better prospect at offensive guard where he can use his
size and playing strength as a run blocker. Displays a little lower
body stiffness in space but comes off the ball with quickness and
explosion. Plays with a flat back and good leg drive; gets movement in
single blocking situations, can move to the second level and play on his
feet vs. linebackers. Can pull and trap; good out of his stance, turns
up field and finds defenders in the open field with power and explosion
at the point of attack. This is an aggressive tough run blocker who
looks for second defenders downfield and finishes blocks with authority.
Have yet to see him in pass protection; will need work but displays
enough balance, agility and flexibility to make us feel he can succeed
in this area. Jones is a solid strong football player who will not be
an immediate starter or impact player. Time and a redshirt year will
give him the opportunity to develop both his athletic and physical
skills. Eventually he should become a solid starter at the BCS level of
competition.
