Villanova football is in playoff contention on the field, and also in the mix for some serious accolades off the field as well. They could have a top 10 FCS recruiting class if this momentum continues.
Last week's Richmond loss aside, this has been a successful final year for legendary coach Andy Talley. His staff is already building the team for a smooth transition, and the talent they are attracting–starting at the quarterback position going all the way down the list–has been impressive. It's a sign of things to come. Nine players are already on board.
This week Villanova recruiting added the newest piece to the puzzle when an impressive athlete out of Syracuse, N.Y.–Jevon Jones–came aboard. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he excels as a dual-threat quarterback at the high school level, but may project as a defensive back when he reaches Division I college football in the FCS.
"Villanova is a great educational school," Jones told HERO Sports this week. "They've been up front with me about the whole process. They showed me a lot of love from the jump and I am ready to see how I can contribute to the football team."
Welcome to the family brozay‼️‼️ https://t.co/XzHRYNxds4
— Julian Liaci (@JLiaci23) October 16, 2016
Jones' future teammates were stoked about the Jones news and being a part of the 'Nova Nine class of 2017.
"I'm really excited about Jevon," 3-star QB recruit Kyle McCloskey told HERO Sports. "I've met him once before on a visit and he seems like a really good guy. He is a great athlete and is going to be a huge addition to our class, which is shaping up to be special. We have a ton of talented kids who really want to play for Villanova, so I'm excited."
Chris Chukwuneke, a 2-star RB out of New Jersey, agreed with his fellow Villanova recruit and future offensive backfield mate.
"I think the pickup is great; I feel like the coaches are doing a great job with this class and how it's shaping up," he told HERO Sports. "All the '17 recruits already have a group chat formed and we welcomed (Jones) just like how I was welcomed when it was only Kyle, ha ha. We all can't wait to get up to campus."
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Linebacker Forrest Rhyne out of Pennsylvania will line up one day with Jones on defense.
"Jevon, just off watching his highlight film, he looks like he is a really athletic guy with great speed and he'll come up and make a hit," Rhyne told HERO Sports. "I think the class coming in is unbelievable. I haven't gotten the chance to meet a bunch of them yet, but that should happen soon."
Here's a look at the 'Nova Nine so far. Of course, any day now it become the 'Nova 10–that's recruiting for you.
POS |
PLAYER |
HOMETOWN |
HGT |
WGT |
COMMITTED? |
QB |
Kyle McCloskey |
Fort Washington, Pa. |
6'3" |
210 |
6/7/2016 |
RB |
Chris Chukwuneke |
Holmdel, N.J. |
6'0" |
195 |
6/17/2016 |
WR |
Julian Liaci |
Nazareth, Pa. |
5'10" |
170 |
6/30/2016 |
LB |
Forrest Rhyne |
Waynesboro, Pa. |
6'2" |
230 |
6/30/2016 |
DT |
Jared Nelson |
Glastonbury, Conn. |
6'3" |
250 |
7/18/2016 |
DB |
Darryl McDaniel |
Washington, D.C. |
6'0" |
185 |
7/26/2016 |
DE |
Malik Fisher |
New York City, N.Y. |
6'3" |
220 |
8/12/2016 |
LS |
Kevin Crabtree |
Milton, Mass. |
6'3" |
255 |
10/6/2016 |
ATH |
Jevon Jones |
Syracuse, N.Y. |
6'1" |
195 |
10/16/2016 |