Iowa picks up another linebacker prospect

It's a long ride to signing day 2015. There will be twists and turns and 'flips.” Saturday, the Hawkeyes found themselves on the good side of a flip.

Chicago linebacker Amani Jones (6-0, 215 pounds) committed to Illinois in April, but liked what he saw on his visit to Iowa City this weekend and decided to say yes to the Hawkeyes.

Iowa is re-engaging in the state of Illinois. After landing six prospects from the state in the last three classes (all three Illinois signees from 2013 have left the program), Iowa now has three Illinois preps committed for 2016.

Offensive line coach Brian Ferentz and linebackers coach Jim Reid have reinvigorated Iowa's recruiting in what has historically been a rich and important state for Iowa football talent.

According to HawkeyeReport.com, Jones had been thinking about Iowa. After he committed to Illinois, Iowa coaches, led by Brian Ferentz, stayed in touch and convinced him to visit last weekend.

'Coach Brian Ferentz, the head coach's son, was my lead recruiter and he and I have developed a really good relationship,” Jones told HawkeyeReport.com. 'He kept telling me to come out for a visit and that I would like it. I had been to Iowa once in my life, but never to the University of Iowa. All the way back home and all day today I kept thinking about this decision and I made the call tonight.”

When Jones committed to Illinois, Phillips coach Troy McAllister told the Chicago Tribune that Jones, a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, was a key piece for the rebuilding Illini.

'I honestly think Amani is the most physical linebacker in the state,” McAllister told the Tribune. 'He's very athletic, but the biggest thing for me is that he's a leader and has great character. He will be a leader and help put Illinois back on the map.”

Jones was a key cog for a Phillips team that finished 12-2 and fell to Rochester in the Class 3A championship game. Jones collected a game-best 14 tackles.

Reid also played a role in his decision, Jones told HawkeyeReport.com. Reid spent time with Jones on his visit and told him he's penciled in at middle linebacker when he arrives on campus.

'They really wowed me on the visit,” Jones said. 'The coaches were great to me and the new facility was great. The rest of the guys on the team and the other guys they had in for the event were really friendly.”

l Comments: (319) 398-8256; marc.morehouse@thegazette.com