Jones jumps at Challenge chance
When a wide receiver had to drop out of the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge due to injury, it opened up a roster spot for one talented wideout. Milton (Fla.) four-star wide receiver Isaiah Jones, a member of the Rivals250, got the call and immediately accepted the invitation.
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The 6-foot-4, 210-pound wide receiver is glad to get the opportunity.
"I was surprised really," Jones said. "I am looking forward to it."
The Sunshine State wide receiver didn't pick out any particular players he was looking forward to competing with or against at the event, but said he is looking forward to being around a roster filled with great talent.
"I just know that the best of the best players are going to be there," Jones said. "It is a great opportunity to compete."
Milton, a small town in Santa Rosa County, is home to fewer than 10,000 people. Jones views the event as a chance to put his name on the national radar and show that small-town talent can compete with the best of the best.
"I really want to let people know that we work just as hard as anybody else," Jones said. "Even though we don't get much attention, we have as much talent to play with anybody. I just want to go up there and try to show them."
Colleges have taken notice of Jones' ability. As a junior, he recorded 35 receptions for 500 yards and five touchdowns. That production combined with his high ceiling as an athlete has helped him to land offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Marshall, Miami, Missouri, Ohio State, South Carolina, South Florida, and Tennessee.
So far this summer, the nation's No. 20 ranked wide receiver has taken just one visit, over to Auburn. Gene Chizik's Tigers are impressive to Jones.
"It was my third time visiting Auburn," Jones said. "They do stand out. It is just a really organized program. They are going after what they think is best and who they think in my year will help them be the best team they can be in the next couple years. I just think they are doing a real good job with recruiting."
At this time, Jones doesn't have any other visits planned. He is hoping to hit the road at some point this summer and check out some of his other options. He says he has three schools at the top of his list at this time.
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"Auburn, Florida State, and Louisville," Jones said. "Those are the main three. They aren't in any kind of order."
Jones is hoping to make a decision at some point during the summer, but his first order of business is stealing the spotlight at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge from June 22-24 in Atlanta.
Mike Farrell's take
Jones is raw but he has a very high athletic ceiling and he loves to compete. With his height and size as well as his ability to go up and get the football, he is a matchup problem for any corner. Playing at a small school, he hasn't seen talent at this level so his reaction will be key. If he's not intimidated, he could be a big factor.
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