Hodgson grid star Jones picks UD

Hodgson Vo-Tech star Ray Jones has decided to play his college football close to home.

The Wilmington resident gave his verbal commitment to University of Delaware coach Dave Brock late Tuesday. Jones plans to sign a national letter of intent in February, then join the Blue Hens next fall.

"It felt like home when I visited," Jones said. "The coaches were very comforting, and the team was really good with me, too."

The 6-foot, 195-pound Jones is a two-way star at Hodgson. The senior has passed for 682 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 717 yards and nine scores in six games for the Silver Eagles this season.

But Jones said UD coaches told him he likely would play at safety for the Blue Hens. Jones is one of the state's top defensive players with 31 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception so far this season.

"I just wanted to stay close to home so my family and friends could come and watch me play," said Jones, who also seriously considered Monmouth and Coastal Carolina. "I went to a couple of practices, and I liked how the coaches worked with the players."

Jones will be the second Hodgson player to sign with the Hens in as many years. Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols chose UD last fall and has already earned some playing time with the Hens as a true freshman.

"I think Bilal was in Ray's ear, I was in his ear, his parents were in his ear about going to UD," Hodgson coach Frank Moffett said. "We all just think it's a great fit for him."

Contact Brad Myers at bmyers@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter: @BradMyersTNJ