Signee Preview: Has Carlton Jones qualified

One of Florida State's final commitments for the 2008 recruiting class was Tampa (FL) Middleton running back Carlton Jones. Jones, who prefers to go by "Ty", earned an offer late in the process and after a visit decided on the Seminoles over Toledo, where he had committed to earlier in the process.

Jones chose the Seminoles largely because of the relationship he developed with Lawrence Dawsey, who recruits the Tampa area. After making his commitment, the hard-nosed back had to focus on getting his academics in order so he could enroll at FSU this summer. During that process, the Seminoles' wide receiver coach was there every step of the way.

"Coach Dawsey has been talking to me throughout," Jones said. "He made sure I was getting everything done that I needed to. He was a big reason why I chose Florida State."

In order to qualify, Jones had to improve both his GPA an his ACT score. He recently found out that he is in good shape in both fronts.

"I am clear and qualified," Jones said. "I was excited when I finally got the word. It was a big relief. It took a lot of hard work but it paid off."

With his academics in order, the Tampa native will be reporting to campus with a majority of the 2008 signing class this weekend. He will be moving in with his new roommate who he has developed a good friendship with in recent months.

"I am going to be living with Jabaris Little," Jones said. "We have been talking some. We have just talked about what we needed and what we have been doing as far as working out and getting ready."

As for football, Jones says he has been working hard in the weight room in order to get himself ready for the grueling summer workouts and August two-a-day practices.

"I weigh 219 right now," Jones said. "I want to play at around that weight. I would like to hit the field immediately and I feel like I am prepared to do so."

The 5-foot-11 back brings a power running game that has been missing in Jimbo Fisher's offense since he arrived at FSU. As such, there's a good chance that Jones could see some immediate playing time.

"I was thinking about where I fit in," he said. "I am already bigger than most of the guys that they have and I am different than them. I fit a need.

"I can come in and be that big back that they needed. I can get them the tough yards. I can do everything they ask of me."

At this time, Jones doesn't know what jersey number he will wear but says he wouldn't mind wearing No. 26 - he wanted No. 6 but that is taken by Antone Smith. No matter which number he ends up with, he says he is ready to get to Tallahassee and don the Garnet and Gold.

"I am just really excited to get started," Jones said.