Notre Dame among the finalists for Georgia WR Tai-ler Jones

Gainesville WR Tai-ler Jones has Notre Dame and UGA among his seven finalists, and 32 offers (AJC)

 Gainesville wide receiver Tai-ler Jones, who will announce his college decision on Thursday, has Notre Dame among his finalists.

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There’s a good reason. His father, Andre Jones, played linebacker and defensive end for Notre Dame. The younger Jones has narrowed down to UGA, North Carolina, Stanford, California, UCLA, Ohio State and the Fighting Irish. He is one of the nation’s leaders in early scholarships offers with 32.

“Notre Dame is a great school … and I know that because my dad says that about every day,” Jones said with a laugh.

“He tells me all the time about his experiences, and how the college life and connections you make at Notre Dame are different than any other school in the country,” Jones said. “It’s like one big brotherhood, and they all help each other out.”

Jones said he feels like better days are ahead for Notre Dame, which posted records of 3-9 and 7-6 over the last two seasons under Charlie Weis. “Because they are Notre Dame, they are going to get the recruits to help them succeed. In any given year, like when my dad signed there, they can have a great year in recruiting and then compete for the national championship.”

How would Jones feel about following in his father’s footsteps? “It’s a great feeling for my dad for me to recruited by Notre Dame. It’s his alma mater, and I know he’d love to see me run out of the tunnel in the blue and gold. They’re one of my top schools.” Jone attended one Notre Dame game, last year’s matchup with Michigan.

Notre Dame has been quiet with its recent recruiting efforts in Georgia, signing only one prospect from the state over the last three years. Jones visited Stanford, California and UCLA last week over spring break. He claims no favorites and will commit on Thursday at Gainesville High.