Jai Jones is already turning heads across Arizona, and he's not even a senior yet. The Chandler High School standout-ranked as one of the top 10 prospects in the state’s 2027 class-is making waves not just with his play on the field, but with the attention he's drawing from major programs. Over the weekend, he took a closer look at Arizona State, and it’s clear the Sun Devils are making a strong impression.
“It’s always good seeing the ASU staff,” Jones said following his visit. “Dillingham is a great coach to be around.
Coach always keeps his goals the same: activating the valley, getting the right guys in, and having a competitive environment. Those things seem to remain the same with him.”
That kind of consistency matters to a player like Jones, who’s already shown he thrives in a structured, competitive setting. In 13 games during his junior season, Jones didn’t just contribute-he led.
He paced the Wolves in receiving yards with 922 and hauled in 10 touchdowns, showing off big-play ability and reliable hands. He also finished second on the team with 54 receptions, a testament to his route-running and trust from the quarterback.
But Jones isn’t just a one-dimensional talent. While his primary impact came on offense, he showed flashes of versatility on defense, too, recording eight tackles in limited snaps. That two-way potential is part of what makes him such a coveted recruit-he’s currently ranked No. 9 in Arizona’s 2027 class and No. 24 nationally among athletes.
For Arizona State, landing a player like Jones would be a statement. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has made it clear that keeping local talent home is a cornerstone of his vision. “Activating the valley” isn’t just a slogan-it’s a recruiting mission, and players like Jones are right at the heart of it.
Jones’ visit signals mutual interest, and while there’s still plenty of time before any commitments are made, the Sun Devils are clearly in the mix. For now, Jones continues to build his resume as one of the most dynamic young athletes in the region-one who could be a game-changer at the next level.
