Recruiting spotlight: Maurice Jones

November 19, 2007

Recruiting spotlight: Maurice Jones

Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer

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It's been a busy and productive month on the recruiting front for Temple's football program.

To get their 21st verbal commitment from the class of 2008, Owls head coach Al Goldn and his staff tapped into North Jersey once again, where they've had some success in the past, to land Maurice Jones, a 5-foot-10, 178-pound cornerback from Belleville High School.

In an interview with OwlScoop.com, Jones said he is hoping to come in and contribute right away.

"I think I could bring a lot to this defense," Jones said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm also a smart player and I like to study defense. I want to know a lot about what's going on."

The Owls showed some early interest in Jones, as Temple was the first school he visited. Jones took a trip to North Broad Street in June and received an offer from Golden.

Jones was being recruited by some of the East Coast's heavy hitters in college football. He had pending offers from Boston College, Wake Forest and Mid-American Conference rival Akron. Maryland and Syracuse also showed interest in Jones, but Temple was able to stand out.

"It wasn't really who I wanted the most," Jones said. "It was more of who wanted me the most. Temple showed the most interest in me. I really liked the coaches there. They remind me of my high school coaches."

Jones is confident, but it may be difficult for him to crack the defensive backfield rotation as a freshman. Starting corners Anthony Ferla, a sophomore, and Jamal Schulters, a freshman, are returning. Their backups, Evan Cooper and Wilbert Brinson, are also coming back next season.

But this is part of what Golden was talking about when he spoke of building a program. The addition of Jones is further proof that Temple is getting commitments from highly-recruited athletes, and it also means the Owls will be able to build depth, create competition and prepare for the future in key areas like the secondary.

While Jones is enjoying his senior season, he knows what he must do to improve his game for college.

"I need to get stronger and faster," Jones said. "I just have to become better. I am never finished. I can always improve on everything in my game."

And at least one of those faces in Temple's secondary will look familiar to Jones.

"I went up against Anthony Ferla in high school," Jones said. "We ran against each other in track and football. He went to St. Joe's, so we went up against each other."



OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.