Nebraska was the first Big Ten program to offer 2028 Ballwin (Mo.) Parkway West four-star tight end Max Jones in the spring. Now the No. 11 tight end in the country per Rivals, Jones made his first trip to Lincoln on Saturday to see the Huskers improve to 5-0 for the first time in a decade.
“It was a great win and in a great atmosphere,” he said. “I met great people and new faces and even got to enjoy the fans by taking pictures with a lot of people. My first experience was electric.”
Though he hadn’t been to Lincoln prior to Saturday, Jones has been steadily developing a relationship with tight ends coach Marcus Satterfield and assistant head coach Jamar Mozee since landing the offer from Nebraska in April. The four-star enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Nebraska’s staff in person on Saturday.
“My relationship with Coach Satt and Mozee has been getting better and better day in and day out,” he said. “I connected with Coach Satt, Mozee, and Rhule and it was just an excellent time there. We talked about my progression and what they want to see me do and how much they wanted me there.”
Nebraska’s offense got off to a slow start, on Saturday but found their rhythm as the game progressed. Jones, who stands 6-foot-6, 221lbs is a versatile weapon who can play a traditional tight end role and line up out-wide as a jumbo wide receiver of sorts.
“I saw great things out of everyone offensively,” he said. “I think I can impact the team as a pass catcher and blocker of course, but as a vocal leader as well. We got to be tough playing great competition every week so I think I could help motivate with that.”
Coming out of his first visit, Nebraska has emerged as a top contender for the four-star tight end. His recruitment is heating up, he holds nine offers to date but attention is growing rapidly around the big-framed pass-catcher.
“Nebraska is definitely up there,” he said. “Other schools like Minnesota, KU, Virginia Tech, and really everyone has been gunning and I love it. It really shows to me how much they care but in the long run it’s what’s best for me.”
Jones is working towards a commitment ideally this offseason, but he’s staying patient with the process as attention grows around his recruitment.
“A timeline for a decision if I could say it would probably be next spring,” he said. “I might drop the top 8 soon after the season but I’m still waiting of course.”
