Interview: 2019 California RB Austin Jones Pushing to be Tops In-State

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

One big season does not necessarily make a high school career, that is why Austin Jones has already strung together back-to-back 1,300-plus yard seasons asserting his dominance over California opposition. With two years left to play before graduating, the Oakland area talent has big goals for his junior season pushing to be one of the best in the Golden State and in the country.

Not much was truly expected of Jones entering the 2015 season. How could anyone hang big hopes on a freshman running back playing against guys four to five years his senior? But, the task presented to him was met by becoming a workhorse back for Bishop O’Dowd High School carrying the pigskin 254 times covering 1,370 yards with 12 scores. The high expectations entering his sophomore season were once again met with a workload that included 322 carries for 1,967 yards with 27 trips to the end zone. Rounding out his game as an every down back, Jones pulled in 22 passes for 234 more yards giving credence to the fact that he can do it all on the field.

All the hard work paid off for the Dragons and Jones capturing a Division-III state title with a 43-24 win over Valley View for the trophy. Another win came off the field with college programs starting to come around on Jones. The 5-10, 190 pound, back now has offers from Oregon, UCLA, Utah, and Washington with teams like Penn State, Cal, and San Jose State taking notice.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Jones covering part of his championship season while getting an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Austin, after a heavy workload last season, how long did you take off before getting back to the grind?

“I took about a week off and then started running track to get my speed up.”

What do you plan to do in 2017 to top the 2016 championship season?

“I plan on getting 2,000 yards and hopefully 30 touchdowns. I was right there. Hopefully we will win another state championship too.”

What honors did you receive at the end of your sophomore year?

“I was first team All-League, East Bay Player of the Year, NCS Sophomore of the Year, and a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American.”

What all have you been working on this off-season?

“My speed and agility. My focus is getting my speed up. I’m running track to get my time down.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash yet this spring?

“No, not yet.”

Are you playing any 7v7 ball this spring?

“No, not this year. I was going to but I will wait and do it next year.”

Have you attended any exposure camps this spring?

“No. I’m going to attend the Rivals Three Stripe camp in LA on Sunday and I’m going to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland in May.”

Have you scheduled any college camps for the summer?

“I’m looking at some for this summer. I might go to camps at the schools that have offered me.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?

“Penn State, they send me stuff. Their recruiting coordinator contacted me. Cal has called my coach. San Jose State is showing interest too.”

Do you have any unofficial visits coming up?

“I’m going to Cal on Saturday to watch their spring practice.”

You mentioned running track earlier, which events are you doing?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, long jump, and triple jump.”

What is your best time so far in the 100?

“11.6.”

What is your best jump in the long jump?

“My best is 20-feet 10-inches.”

Nice. Austin, thanks for your time today and good luck at UCLA on Saturday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Prep2Prep High School Sports; No. 20 Austin Jones dives into the end zone.

Photo credit: The Mercury News; No. 20 Austin Jones breaks another long run.