Jones is a local product (and a good one at that). He hails from the Southwestern Ohio powerhouse Colerain high school. Everyone within the I-275 loops knows about Tom Bolden’s program and how they are perennially Ohio state title contenders. They’re a college football factory if there is one and are especially stout on defense. Let’s just say, if you snag a player from this high school, you know you’re doing pretty good. While I’m not necessarily in favor of UC locking down the high schools close to home especially since they’ve done so well pillaging Atlanta, Memphis, Florida, and Indianapolis, I’m always excited about landing a Colerain grad.
Overview
He’s a safety through and through. When looking at this position, the first thing I look at is how they play center field when they’re the absolute last line of defense for their team. Jones plays it well, peering in on the quarterback while at the same time understanding the routes. He reminds me somewhat of Drew Frey with his body size (although slightly shorter than the 18th year Junior) except he is slightly more aggressive in coverage. Jones’ tracking and tackling skills are impressive and he is an imposing force on blitzes. He’s quick off the snap and gets into the backfield quickly. Overall he’s a menace that every player on opposing offense have to account for.
Outlook
Safety or outside linebacker. His play seems similar to Marcus Foster but I like Foster’s coverage skills just a bit more. If the staff slots him at safety, Jones takes a redshirt as Foster jumps him in the class. If they slide him down to outside linebacker, he could tack on some muscle in the short offseason and make a play on special teams his freshman year. It depends on how the rest of the 2012 class plays out as he could see more competition if more OLB verbals emerge. Either the SAM or WILL positions will have much better depth next season but so far the candidates look to be only Bomar (starter), Temple, Blair, Jackson, and Clemente. There’s an opportunity there for Jones, the truck-like hitter that he is, to get playing time. To sum up, Jones at safety = redshirt. Jones at outside linebacker = playing time as a true freshman but maybe redshirt, but more likely playing time.
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