One to Watch Interview: 2018 Florida RB/WR Miles Jones is Ready for Breakout Junior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is an underground movement going on in Plantation, Florida, that is about to take the state by storm – Class of 2018 running back/wide receiver Miles Jones.

Jones was a part of an American Heritage team that went 9-2 in 2015 making a run into the playoffs before a tough 27-20 loss to Hallandale. The Patriots were loaded with talent seeing at least six Class of 2016 players sign with next level programs. Among the many to ink National Letters of Intent included defensive end Brian Burns (Florida State), tight end Nick Eubanks (Michigan), wide receiver Brandon Johnson (Tennessee), kicker (Oren Milstein (Columbia), and offensive lineman Christian Riffle (Cornell). Another recruit, who signed with the Kansas Jayhawks, Khalil Herbert, is the reason why many do not know who Miles Jones is – yet!

Jones was behind two upperclassmen running backs in Herbert and Class of 2017 talent Kyshaun Bryan (4-star). Herbert is off to Big 12 country and Bryan has transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas leaving Jones as one of the go-to guys for the Patriots next season.

When the shifty and speedy 5’8”, 170 pound, back has taken the field, he has taken it by storm. Jones displays that knack for finding openings in the defense, can cut on a dime, and has great balance shaking off first and second contact keeping his feet for more yards. Jones does not have a varsity stat line that will drop jaws or support the claims but he does have the backing of college coaches. With the world of potential Jones has going for him, West Virginia and Mississippi State are the first two schools to already drop offers. Once a couple of games are in the books for the 2016 season, expect that offer list to gain momentum in a hurry with the Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, and Oklahoma Sooners already bridging a gap between interest to a potential scholarship offer among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I got a few minutes with one of the rising stars of the 2018 class covering his offseason workouts, potential camp schedule, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Miles, I have a tough question for you about the Hallandale loss to end last season. How will that loss, after winning handily 38-15 against them two games prior, fuel the team going into 2016?

“We wanted to be the first team in Broward County to get three straight championships. I think next year it will make us be more serious and passionate about the season.”

How do the Patriots look going into the 2016 season?

“We have had two spring practices so far so it is hard to tell. Our defense is looking good. We might be short on wide receivers as far as depth but the team is looking good after two practices.”

You have an opportunity to take control of the Patriots starting spot in 2016. Heading into the season, what are some of the things you do well at this point of your career as a running back?

“My speed and quickness are strengths. My vision, I feel like I have really good field vision. My speed helps a lot.”

Where all might we see you line up at in 2016?

“I’ll play some in the slot, punt return, kick return, on the outside as a wide receiver, and at running back.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“I want to set the rushing record. The record is 1,840 yards, I want 2,000 yards. I’d like to have a couple of punt and kick returns for touchdowns, and 500 yards receiving.”

That’s a big year. What are you working on in the offseason to help prepare yourself to reach your goals?

“I’m working with my trainer Arturo Freeman (Miami Dolphins 2000-04 and New England Patriots 2005). He is working with me at the slot mostly. He is making me a better receiver. I feel like I am a good running back now and with the training Arturo Freeman is giving me I am the whole package. Mike Smith, my strength and running backs coach, has been helping me get ready for the season too.”

Do you have a weight gain goal you are trying to hit before the 2016 season begins?

“I’d like to be at 175 pounds.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash this offseason?

“Yes. I ran a 4.6 laser timed.”

You have offers from West Virginia and Mississippi State, are any other schools showing interest in you right now?

“Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma are showing interest.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“I’m going to several. I’m trying to go to Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State, and West Virginia.”

Have you been to or will you go to any exposure camps this offseason?

“I went to the Nike Opening regional and to the Rivals camp in Miami.”

How did the camps go for you? Did they go well?

“Yes. I was a Rivals Top underclassman. My Nike score was 111.00.”

That’s great. Have you been on any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I’ve been to Florida, Georgia, and UCF (Central Florida). I went to Florida State’s and Miami’s spring games.”

How did the visits go?

“I really liked the Georgia and Florida visits. Both schools had good tours and the people there are really nice and welcoming. Both schools had great campuses and great facilities.”

Do you have any more unofficial visits planned?

“I’m going to Florida and Georgia and I want to take a trip to USC.”

What are you looking for with your return trips to Florida and Georgia?

“I’m looking to talk to the coaches a little bit more.”

With the various schools that are recruiting you, because you could play so many different positions how are the different schools recruiting you?

“As a wide receiver and an athlete.”

Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.5 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

You are a ways off but have you started thinking about what you might want to major in while in college?

“Computer programming or video game design.”

Are you playing any other sports for American Heritage?

“I played basketball and I ran track (ninth grade).”

Which events?

“The 4×1 and 200 (meters).”

What is your best time in the 200?

“I ran track at St. Thomas Aquinas. I’m not running this year but will next year. My best 200 time was a 22-flat.”

Last question, what is your favorite part about playing football?

“It excites me when I score a touchdown. That is the best feeling in the world.”

Miles, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of your visits and upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: maxpreps.com; No. 24 Miles Jones in the American Heritage backfield.

Photo credit: Jones family; Miles Jones at Florida State with head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Photo credit: Jones family; Miles Jones at Georgia with 2017 4-star defensive back Stanford Samuels Jr. and Stanford Samuels Sr.