Quote:DeKALB - Sitting in the student section at Huskie Stadium, Demetrius Jones looked like a regular student.

Though rumors were swirling on the Internet and message boards throughout the country, Jones sat in relative anonymity in the stands during most of NIU's loss to Eastern Michigan.

Numerous sources have confirmed to the Daily Chronicle that Jones is enrolled at Northern lllinois University, and he will be eligible to play next season. A listing for a Demetruis Armond Jones is in the NIU online phone directory.

Several newspapers reported Friday that Jones didn't board the bus for Notre Dame's trip to Ann Arbor. Initial reports started surfacing Saturday morning that Jones would transfer to NIU.

A call placed to Jones' cell phone Saturday night by the Daily Chronicle added to the mystery. The man who answered the call didn't want to comment on the situation, but indicated there is more to the story than has been reported. The man even mentioned Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis calling him Saturday night regarding the transfer.

Jones started in Notre Dame's season opener against Georgia Tech, completing 1-of-3 passes for 4 yards. Weis pulled Jones after six series, paving the way for freshman sensation Jimmy Clausen to take over the starting job.

Jones had contemplated transferring for several weeks, according to a source who talked to Jones on Saturday afternoon. Following NIU's 21-19 loss to Eastern Michigan, a person resembling Jones stood outside the stadium waiting for NIU's players.

When approached by one reporter, the individual shied away from admitting his identity, but confidently confirmed Jones' measurements.

“He's a legit 6-foot-4,” he said.

A few minutes later, two local reporters walked over to the same individual who was wearing a Morgan Park High School skull cap and NIU gray jacket.

The person didn't deny or confirm he was Demetrius Jones, replying to the reporters, “I understand, that's your job.”

The individual then responded to another batch of questions, and indicated he was the cousin of NIU sophomore linebacker Phil Brown. Jones, Brown and cornerback Melvin Rice all played football at Morgan Park High School.

“I'm Phil's cousin,” he said. “I'm here to check them out. These are my boys from Morgan Park, Melvin Rice and Phil Brown.”

The same individual later joked, “I'm rolling out, my airplane is coming in a couple of minutes to take me to Michigan,” in reference to Notre Dame's game at Michigan.

NIU Media Relations Director Donna Turner didn't comment on the rumors surrounding Jones' transfer to NIU. Several reporters wanted to talk with Brown about Jones' status, but she said Brown had relayed a message to her that he was uncomfortable talking to reporters about Jones.

The sudden transfer by Jones coincides with NCAA bylaw 14.5.1.1b, “Any student-athlete (e.g., qualifier, nonqualifier, transfer student) admitted after the 12th class day may not use that semester or quarter for the purpose of establishing residency.”

The 12th day of class in NIU's fall calendar was last Wednesday. By beating the deadline, Jones is eligible to play for the Huskies next season. He would not be eligible to dress until the 2009 season if he enrolled after Sept. 12.

NIU coach Joe Novak addressed the rumors in the postgame press conference.

“I can tell you this, I've heard a lot of rumors,” Novak said. “I've heard a lot of stuff. All I can tell you is that I've had absolutely no contact with him, his family, or anyone representing of, nor have our coaches. So I'm listing to the same rumors everybody else is.”

The Jones saga took the spotlight away from NIU's embarrassing loss to Eastern Michigan. The arrival of Jones would add an intriguing twist to the 2008 season. Led by big group of upperclassmen, the Huskies will be loaded at several positions and can challenge for a bowl bid.

Quarterback Dan Nicholson, who has thrown 12 interceptions in his last six appearances, hasn't performed up to expectations this year, opening the door for the multitalented Jones to become the starter.

At 6-foot-4, 210-pounds, Jones would cause fits for Mid-American Conference teams with his blend of size, speed and athleticism. The sophomore would have three years left of eligibility if he starts playing next season.

Jones is the highest-rated recruit to attend NIU in several decades. He received a four-star (out of five) rating by Rivals.com in 2006. He was selected as the top player in Illinois, and the second-highest rated quarterback in the nation behind only Florida's Tim Tebow, a five-star recruit.

Bobby Narang can be reached at bnarang@daily-chronicle.com.