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Jones

Jones joins the Wolfpack after he was dismissed by the Trojans in November. He was arrested for public intoxication in early July, but it’s believed there were other transgressions that took place. He was a four-star signing by USC in 2017, and rated the 65th best player in that year’s class by ESPN. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker will have to sit out the 2019 season unless he receives a hardship from the NCAA.

No reason was given by HC Clay Helton, but we can tell you that Jones was suspended for the Cal game last weekend due to a violation of team rules. Per reports, Jones was arrested on a public intoxication charge in early July. That transgression could have played a part in the reason he’s no longer a Trojan, but then again Jones did appear in eight games this year prior to his dismissal.

Jones is a ways away from making a commitment proper -- he might not release a top-10 until after completing his senior season at Westlake High -- but that won’t stop the chase. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder spoke of his visit to UCLA in strong terms, saying, “I really liked it up there; I love the coaches, the atmosphere, and the west coast vibe is nice.” In addition to the two California schools, FSU, Florida, Texas and Texas A&M have also expressed interest in Rivals’ No. 17 linebacking recruit for 2017.

“Whole west coast is open, whole SEC, and of course, Big XII because staying close to home would be nice,” said Jones, a native of Austin, Texas. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound high school senior was on hand for Texas’ thrilling double-overtime win over Notre Dame on September 4. He was also present for their win over UTEP this past weekend. Charlie Strong’s outfit has clearly peaked his interest. In addition, he is intrigued by LSU, UCLA and USC. Texas is considered the front-runner, here.

Jones took an official visit to Florida over the weekend. It apparently made the requisite impression, as he is now gaga over the Gators. It helps that current defensive coordinator Randy Shannon coached his father, Robert Jones, at Miami back in the day. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker -- Scout.com’s No. 189 overall prospect for 2017 -- will be investigating Florida State, USC and UCLA over the coming weeks, so while Florida has a nice foothold here, they shouldn’t be considered a lock to bring Jones into the fold.

Jones is the No. 65th player in the ESPN 300. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker chose the Trojans over Florida State, Florida and UCLA. Jones was recently leaning towards the Gators, but USC swayed him with a visit late in the process. USC has nine ESPN 300 commitments or signees as of Wednesday morning. “Levi is a very skilled player with good athleticism and speed,” ESPN noted in a scouting report. “Aside from his athletic talents he is very cerebral player who possesses a lot of the intangibles you are looking for in a player.”