Is Jones the top Back in Florida

Over the past ten years Dade and Broward County have produced some of the most talented running backs in the country. There has been Willis McGahee, Frank Gore and last year Tyrone Moss. This year will be no different as South Dade running back Charlie Jones looks to take over the record books.

Jones is a 5-foot-11, 200-pound wrecking ball that has been timed in the 40-yard dash under a 4.5. He also has impressive lower body strength as demonstrated by his 475-pound squat. Last season he rushed for 1,570 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also set the Dade County record with 348 yards rushing in a game. If not for a run of over 80 yards being called back because of a penalty, he would have demolished the single game rushing record set by Frank Gore.

"My goal is to not only to break Gore's single game rushing record it's to take over as the career rushing leader in Dade County," Jones said.

Last season the explosive ball-carrier was selected first team All-Dade County and second-team all-state. He likes to compare his style to another Dade County standout and first round NFL selection, Willis McGahee.

"I like his ability to do it all, he can take a five yard pass thrown his way and take it to the house," he said.

Like McGahee, Jones is a complete player that does not appear to have any weaknesses. He can run, catch or pickup a blitzing linebacker as well as any running back in the country. His all around abilities both on and off the field have earned the respect of his coaches.

"He is a great kid and one that any coach would like to have on their team," South Dade Athletic Director and coach Joel Furnari said. "The team that gets him at the next level will get the chance to not only coach one of the best player ever in Dade County but a wonderful person."

Not only is Jones a standout on the gridiron, he does pretty well in the classroom. He carries over a 3.0 GPA and would like to improve his SAT score, which was 860 on his first try.

So far the talented back has scholarship offers from colleges all across the country. Just some of the schools that have tendered early offers include Florida, Miami, Iowa State, Notre Dame, Duke, Auburn, Tennessee, Pittsburgh and Ohio State. Even though Jones says he is open, he is leaning to his childhood favorite the Miami Hurricanes.

Here is what Jones had to say about some of his favorite schools:

Miami - "I like the offense they run it's similar to offense that I play in at South Dade. They were my favorite school growing up."

Ohio State - "I want to go to a school that wins National Championships and they proved last year by beating Miami that they can do that." He also has been told that Ohio State is in need of a running back.

Notre Dame - "A degree from Notre Dame is something that not only would I be proud of but I know my parents feel the same way. A degree from Notre Dame opens doors for potential job opportunities that not many other schools can provide."

Florida -"I like them because my family would not have to travel that far to see me play."

Tennessee - "They have a great program with lots of tradition. Tennessee also likes to run the football and their facilities were second to none."

Camps that Jones plans on attending are Bishop Dullahan and Miami's summer camp. He will also go to the FIU passing camp.