Sleeper beginning to get looks
With the new rules in college football there will be openings for players with special team skills to go with there every down position skills. One player who is beginning to get some looks is cornerback/kick returnerL.J. Jones (5-11, 175, 4.55) from Encino (Calif.) Crespi.
Jones in three games for Crespi has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. He had a 98 yarder in the opener against Lake Balboa (Calif.) Birmingham and a 90 yard return against Corona (Calif.) Centennial. Both teams are among Southern California's best high school teams.
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When asked about his secret skill of returning kicks Jones was rather low key.
"When they kick to me I get a lot of good blocking and I just go for it," Jones said. "Last year we weren't as good on special teams so I didn't get as many opportunities.
Jones was being humble because Rivals.com was in the audience against Centennial and made a juke that freed him and then he just exploded from the pack. After that he burst through the seam and it was Katy bar the door.
Jones is also making his presence felt from his defensive back position. In three games, he has accounted for 18 tackles and four deflected passes. He hasn't been beat deep this season. The only passes that have been caught have been in front of him.
This performance comes off the heels of his junior season when he had 48 tackles, one blocked punt and one fumble recovery.
The scouting report on Jones is he's a very physical defender who doesn't shy away from contact. He is good in coverage and spent the off-season working on becoming even better in coverage.
According to Jones Utah State has called since September 1st and he's receiving recruiting attention from Washington, Washington State and Northern Arizona.
What is Jones looking for in a college?
"I'm looking for a nice campus environment," Jones said. "I also want to get a good education. That is what I'm striving for right now."