Interview: 2018 APB Miles Jones Previews Florida State Title Game vs. Ponte Vedra

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Legends are made during the playoffs when all of the chips are on the table. American Heritage’s 2016 squad is on the cusp of doing something spectacular with their 2018 all-purpose back Miles Jones creating his own legacy along the way.

Nothing new seeing American Heritage as one of the top teams not only in the state of Florida but in the country. The Patriots have a long storied tradition of winning but have a chance for a storybook season entering Friday’s state title game a perfect 13-0. The Plantation area team has ran rough over every other team they have faced this season with their only close games coming against Georgia’s 2015 state title winners Colquitt County (17-14) and a tight victory over Cardinal Gibbons (10-7) in the second round of the playoffs. In addition to Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale), the Patriots have defeated Westwood (Fort Pierce), Bishop Moore (Orlando), and Jesuit (Tampa) thus far in the playoffs. All that stands in the way of immortality is a 13-0 Sharks squad equally as hungry.

Getting to the state title game was a team effort for the Patriots with Jones doing his part against Jesuit. In a tight 21-14 win, the 5-8, 170 pound, rising star had eight carries for 101 yards with a score and hauled in four passes for 107 yards with another touchdown, all team-highs in yards. Jones has been immersed deeper and deeper into head coach Patrick Surtain’s offense as the season has gone along rushing 61 times for 552 yards with four touchdowns through stats posted for 11 games. In the passing attack, Jones is averaging 16.6 yards per reception pulling in 23 passes for 382 yards with one more score.

The Patriots have the utmost belief in Jones allowing their playmaker opportunities to show off his speed in the open field on kickoff returns. When given the opportunity, Jones has returned nine kicks for 278 yards with an 88-yard score on his resume.

With the Patriots prepping for their big game on Friday, I sat down with Jones covering American Heritage’s run in the playoffs with a preview of the title game and a quick overview of his recruiting status.

Interview

Miles, how has the playoffs gone for you so far?

“The playoffs have gone well. Especially the last game against Jesuit. I had two touchdowns and 200-plus total yards.”

What has been different for you in the playoffs over the regular season?

“The coaches are getting the ball into everyone’s hands a little more allowing all of us to be playmakers. I’m getting more touches at running back too.”

You just defeated Jesuit Tampa (21-14) having an outstanding game, what clicked for you against the Tigers?

“I was picking up the right blocks. The coaches put in new plays with different blocking, I just made the right cuts.”

What kind of challenge does Ponte Vedra (13-0) bring to the field?

“They are undefeated like us. We cannot go in there thinking we will run away with it. Their defense looks good. We are working hard in practice.”

How will the coaches utilized you against Ponte Vedra?

“The same way as usual, at running back and receiver. I’ll have some runs up the middle and some to the outside trying to get to the edge.”

The Patriots are the No. 25 ranked team in the nation (MaxPreps), No. 4 in Florida, how does that feel?

“It feels good. We feel we should be ranked higher but there is nothing we can do about it. We are a highly ranked team with top players, it feels good.”

How has your game gotten better overall this year?

“I’ve developed myself more at the wide receiver position. I have gotten quicker and faster.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now but have not offered?

“Miami, Indiana, Toledo, Iowa, and UCLA.”

You have offers from Mississippi State, West Virginia, and Syracuse. Vanderbilt is a new offer. How did the Vandy offer come about for you?

“They got my film. I started talking to their wide receiver coach, Coach (Cortez) Hankton. He liked me and asked me to come up for an unofficial visit. I went for a visit, a week later they gave me an offer.”

Which position did they offer you at?

“As an athlete, the running back and wide receiver positions, and as a kick returner.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits planned coming up?

“Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I’m going to Toledo, Louisville, and Indiana.”

That’ll be fun. How is school going?

“School is going good. I have a 3.8 GPA right now. I’m trying to close strong with mid-terms coming up. I have a lot of studying to do.”

Miles, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Miami Herald; No. 10 Miles Jones vs. Cardinal Gibbons (2016).

Photo credit: Miami Herald; No. 10 Miles Jones vs. Norland (2016).