Hialeah (Fla.) four-star linebacker Mikel Jones is nearing closer to an anxiously awaited first visit to Clemson.

Jones, one of the top prospects in the 2019 class, has wanted to get on campus since Clemson offered in May. He planned to make the trip for Clemson’s game against South Carolina on Nov. 26, but was unable to make it because his season was still ongoing.

So, Jones is eyeing a couple of offseason visits to Clemson.

“My coach is planning to take me up there before this summer and during the summer,” Jones told The Clemson Insider.

Jones, who is rated as the nation’s No. 3 outside linebacker, also has offers from Iowa State, Syracuse, Temple and West Virginia among others.

Clemson has been a favorite of Jones since extending the offer, and the Tigers are certainly still in favorable standing.

“Clemson is definitely still up there,” Jones said.

Jones is excited to meet defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables as well as see Death Valley in person.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, mostly coach Venables,” Jones said. “I really want to see what Death Valley is all about and check out all of the sports facilities and players’ dorms.”

Jones hopes to build a good bond with Venables in the future. What does he like about Venables?

“His coaching intensity,” Jones said. “He gets the best out of his players.”

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder knows that Clemson doesn’t hesitate to play freshmen if they are ready, and the potential opportunity for early playing time at Clemson intrigues him.

“There are a lot of freshmen that play a lot on their defense,” Jones said, “so that could possibly be me one day.”

And that is something he will factor into consideration when making a decision in the future.

“Location would be important. I wouldn’t want to be somewhere for four years and not be comfortable with everything,” Jones said. “Also playing time. I don’t plan on redshirting my first year anywhere I go. I would like to be given a chance to compete for a spot and be able to get reps coming in early.”

West Virginia is another school Jones has high interest in, and he would like to visit Morgantown over the summer, too.

Jones is rated by 247Sports as the No. 10 prospect in Florida and the No. 52 prospect overall in the class of 2019.