Auburn 'working way to the top' for 4-star OG

AUBURN | Four-star guard Keiondre Jones is getting familiar with Auburn.

For the Tigers, that’s a good thing.

Jones, from Callaway in Hogansville, Ga., visited Auburn several times last fall and returned to campus each of the past two weekends.

“I feel at home,” Jones said. “I like that it’s right down the road. It’s easy for me to get to and I love the coaches here.”

Jones’s visit on Saturday offered him the chance to see something new. Jones watched Auburn practice in the morning, which gave him his first glimpse of first-year offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.

“I had a good time, and it was good to see Coach Grimes coach because I hadn’t seen that before,” Jones said. “That was a good learning experience.”

Jones met with Grimes and area recruiter Rodney Garner. He’s developing close bonds with both coaches.

“Me and Coach Garner have had a good relationship for a long time,” Jones said. “And I like Coach Grimes.”

Auburn is steadily moving up Jones’s list of favorites. The Tigers join Florida, Clemson, South Carolina, Mississippi State and Alabama, among others.

“No leader right now, but Auburn is working their way to the top,” Jones said. “I like that it’s close to home and it’s big-time football. I just have a good feeling here. It has a good vibe.”

Jones plans to return to Auburn for its A-Day game in April. He also will visit other schools, including Florida March 16-17.

Jones plans to narrow his focus, possibly announce his commitment, before the start of his senior season.

Rivals ranks Jones, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 310 pounds, the No. 8 guard in the 2019 class and No. 147 in the Rivals250.