Is the fact that he's taking other officials a sign he's looking for a school besides Minnesota? Maybe. Or, it could be a great way for a kid to get some all expenses paid trips to warm weather places or just see more of the country. Would I rather he just say he's firm on the Gophers, sure. But, can't blame the kid for going on visits and looking. I wouldn't say that necessarily means he has "doubts" about the coaches.
1. first of all, i wouldn't make things up;
2. he clearly stated he was concerned with Jerry Kill's health;
3. he clearly stated he wants to play for a winning program; he recognizes the progress made by MN this year but has distinct memories of lots of losing by the Gophers while growing up;
4. he's visited Iowa State and wants to see Michigan State and Missouri in January which aren't warm weather climates; this isn't about taking "fun" trips to the sunshine states;
5. he stated he plans to wait until signing day Feb 5 to announce. I get the feeling he's waiting for more offers to roll in; the longer he waits, the more interest he's getting, especially because of the All-Star game he's in. when asked if he wanted to use all 4 remaining visits, he stated "I'm trying to find another school" to visit;
6. believe me when I say I really hope I'm wrong. If you read the transcripts of his interviews, however, they don't sound like a young man pumped up to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers (although as one poster mentioned, he did clearly say that if he had to make a decision today (which was prior to him making other visits) he would chose Minnesota;
7. here is his number one stated criteria:
Gopher Hole: What is going to be the main factor that is going to make you decide that this is where I want to be? Jeff Jones: The relationship between the coaches and what if I don't make it to the next level, after college, who is going to have my best interest.
As I view it, he's looking to see if there are coaching staffs out there with whom he feels more comfortable than Minnesota's.
8. Finally, it was the following statement that really told me he's not truly sold on Minnesota:
Gopher Hole: I know that a lot of Gopher fans would love to see you for the hometown team. What would it mean to you to play for the Gophers? Jeff Jones: It would mean a lot, if that is the school that I pick, just because I was born and raised here. If not, so be it. It will be a good opportunity.
To me, that last statement reminded me of something Tyus Jones, Reid Travis and Rashad Vaughn all said. To paraphrase: "If I play for Minnesota, it would mean a lot because that's the home town team, my family could see me play and I grew up a Gopher fan. But, if I don't get into Minnesota, or if I find a coaching staff and program I like better, it would be just fine to play somewhere else."
