Laguna Hills’ Jones Continues to Weigh His Options

Laguna Hills running back Michael Jones, Orange County’s all-time leading rusher, remains undecided on his college plans, Hawk Coach Steve Bresnahan said.

Jones did not pass enough core classes to qualify for competition at an NCAA Division I school next year, but Bresnahan said Jones is considering attending a Division I school as a nonqualifier. Bresnahan said San Jose State and Fresno State have expressed interest in taking Jones as a “special admit.”

“I think a lot more coaches will be able to spend time with Michael once signing day is over,” Bresnahan said Tuesday.

Today is the first day athletes in field hockey, football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls’ volleyball and boys’ water polo can sign letters of intent.

If Jones attends a Division I school as a nonqualifier, he would not be able to accept any athletic financial aid and he would need to pass 24 units in a year before becoming eligible for an athletic scholarship. He also would lose a year of eligibility as a nonqualifier.

Bresnahan said Jones also is considering Saddleback College. If he attended a community college, Jones--as a nonqualifier--would have to pass 60 units and earn an associate of arts degree before becoming eligible to compete at a Division I school.