More News regarding Demetrius Jones:

The Chicago Tribune: Jones talk of Public League -Weis won't shy away from recruiting in area

"It's on the tip of everybody's tongue at all our games," said Calvin Davis, director of sports administration for the Public League. "For the community in general, it's a hot topic. It's big news."

Still, after hearing chatter for a few days, Davis doesn't believe Notre Dame's decision not to release Jones from his scholarship is catastrophic to the Irish's chances of recruiting Public League players.

But the situation doesn't help. Davis said his constituency may be circumspect with Notre Dame for the time being, especially looking at how the Irish handle freshman tailback Robert Hughes, a former Hubbard standout.

"People certainly are watching this situation closely," Davis said. "People are watching and wanting to think wherever they go, they'll be treated fairly."

The Herald News: Jones case is telling

And, of course, that was before even the most rabid Huskie fans dared to call Northern Illinois Chicago's team. Give gentleman Joe Novak credit for the rise of NIU's program. He is the hard-working coach who sent Ryan Diem, Michael "The Burner" Turner, Garrett Wolfe and others to the NFL while building a program envied by wannabes everywhere.

Northern has become a perennial contender for MAC West honors and postseason play, its current 0-3 start more the result of a couple of uncharacteristic late-game collapses than a disturbing trend. And, in DeKalb, the sting of a 21-19 loss to Eastern Michigan on Saturday was eased by the breaking news of Jones' transfer.

The Chicago Sun-Times: Local college football: No sounding Public alarm -Weis says Jones' departure won't hurt Irish in the city

Jones has intimated that Notre Dame coaches knew he was leaving before he failed to board the team bus to Michigan on Friday. Sophomore running back James Aldridge said, ''The coaches, they knew,'' when asked about it Tuesday, but Aldridge clarified that statement Wednesday.

''I wasn't saying the coaches knew beforehand,'' Aldridge said.

- Then what was he saying? Sounds like The Irish are "circling the wagons".

From The Rockford Register Star:

Demetrius Rumors Still Abound

Most of the NIU players, and all of their coaches, are trying not to think about it, but they’ve all heard the rumblings about former Notre Dame starting quarterback Demetrius Jones transferring to Northern Illinois.

At 0-3, the Huskies have more pressing matters to deal with, but there’s nothing wrong with a little excitement brewing during such a down time for the team. Quick Shots has confirmed that a Demetrius Jones is listed in the NIU student directory, but Novak insists he still has not had any confirmation that he enrolled by last Wednesday’s deadline. If he enrolled in time, he could suit up for the Huskies next year, but if not, he will have to sit out the 2008 season as well.

Either way, he’s stirred things up in the Huskie locker room these days.

“All we know is what we hear and read in the papers — but we know,” junior wide receiver Matt Simon said during Tuesday’s press conference.

Defensive end Larry English added: “It’s not relevant to this football team, I know that. But people are talking.”