Fresno City College defensive back Jaylon Jones (6’2″, 175 lbs) shut down his recruitment, committing to the Mountaineers while on his visit in Morgantown…

Fresno City College defensive back Jaylon Jones (6’2″, 175 lbs) shut down his recruitment, committing to the Mountaineers while on his visit in Morgantown…

 

 

Fresno City College standout defensive back Jaylon Jones has officially shut down his recruitment, committing to the West Virginia Mountaineers during his official visit to Morgantown this weekend. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound cornerback made the announcement after meeting with the coaching staff and touring the facilities, signaling a major win for WVU’s 2025 recruiting class.

Jones, who transferred to Fresno City College after a standout high school career in Southern California, quickly became one of the top junior college defensive backs in the country. Known for his length, ball skills, and physicality in coverage, Jones attracted interest from a host of Power Five programs. His recruitment had been gaining momentum throughout the spring, with schools like Arizona State, Oregon State, and Washington reportedly keeping close tabs. But in the end, it was the Mountaineers who won him over.

“The moment I got to Morgantown, I just felt it,” Jones said in a statement following his commitment. “The coaches made me feel like family, the energy around the program is strong, and I can see myself thriving here—both on and off the field.”

West Virginia’s staff, led by head coach Neal Brown and defensive backs coach ShaDon Brown, prioritized Jones throughout the evaluation process. The Mountaineers are aiming to reshape their secondary with size, speed, and versatility, and Jones fits the mold perfectly. At 6’2″, he brings an ideal frame for a modern boundary corner, capable of matching up with bigger receivers and playing physically in press coverage.

Jones is expected to compete immediately for playing time in a West Virginia secondary that has undergone significant turnover in recent years. With several upperclassmen either graduating or transferring, the path is clear for JUCO standouts like Jones to make an instant impact.

“He’s a guy who can play multiple spots in the secondary, and he brings an edge to our defense,” a source close to the coaching staff said. “He’s long, smart, and competitive—exactly what we’re looking for.”

His 2024 JUCO season was impressive, recording 38 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 9 pass breakups while often shadowing the opposing team’s top receiver. Jones also earned All-Conference honors and was praised for his leadership and work ethic.

Jones’s commitment comes at a pivotal time for the Mountaineers, who are looking to build momentum on the recruiting trail heading into the fall. With his pledge, WVU adds a proven defensive back with Division I readiness and a high ceiling for development.

As he wraps up his final semester at Fresno City, Jones is expected to enroll at West Virginia in January 2026, giving him a full offseason to acclimate to the program. For now, though, the Mountaineers can celebrate landing one of the most coveted JUCO defensive backs in the class—and a potential cornerstone of their secondary for years to come.