Florida RB Miles Jones Updates Senior Season and Vanderbilt Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some people in life seem to fly along under a lucky star reaping the benefits of privileged opportunities not readily available to most. The first glance may seem like a walk down “easy street” but a deeper look shows hard work and determination blazing a path towards greatness – the opportunities that are being created for Miles Jones and his American Heritage teammates in Plantation.
American Heritage steamrolled through the 2016 season posting a 14-0 record topping Ponte Vedra 35-33 for a Florida 5A overall state title. The Patriots roster was loaded with next level talent on both sides of the ball last season working as a team to fulfill the preseason goal of hoisting a trophy claiming the Sunshine State as their own. Jones contributed to the team effort carrying the ball 67 times for 585 yards with five scores. Jones’ 585 yards was second-best on the team but his 8.7 yard per carry average among those with 67 carries or more was tops on the team. Jones further flashed his skillset in the passing attack snagging 28 passes for 405 yards, second-best on the team, with another trip to the end zone working out of the backfield and in the slot.
A buildup of interest and offers started coming through for Jones as the 2016 progressed going into the spring. The 5-9, 172 pound, play-maker caught attention for what he could do on offense in multiple roles but also for his ability to change the complexion of a game on special teams. He scorched the opposition for 278 kick returns yards off nine attempts with a long of 88-yards. In all, 12 offers were extended to Jones with those wanting him including Mississippi State, West Virginia, Kentucky, Toledo, Syracuse, Kansas, Navy, Wisconsin, and Georgia. But, on March 26, Vanderbilt won the recruiting battle for the southern Florida product.
The Vanderbilt coaching staff and fans alike, have been keeping a close eye on Miles progression through his senior season, and he has not disappointed so far. The Patriots have been limited to three games because of Hurricane Irma, but when on the field have been one of the nation’s best squads posting a 3-0 mark ranked No. 6 nationally by MaxPreps. Again this season, no one on the team is putting up gaudy stats – this is a group effort with so many play-makers on the field at one time. Jones is second on the team in rushing yards with 83 off 10 carries tied for the team lead with two scores. He is third on the team with 83 receiving yards off six receptions and has returned three punts for 61 yards.
After posting a decisive 41-13 nationally televised win over Chaminade-Madonna on Friday (Sept. 22), with an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt the following day, I sat down with Jones covering the early part of the Patriots season and his trip to Nashville.
Interview
Miles, how has your senior year started out for you on the field?
“It has started out pretty good. The team is doing well. We are ranked No. 5 in the country working for a national championship.”
What did you work on during the offseason to prepare for the 2017 schedule?
“I worked on getting faster, getting a little bigger, and getting ready for the next level.”
What areas of your game are you seeing the most improvement?
“On returns, I have not returned any for a touchdown but I can tell when the ball is coming in seeing the defense, when to call for a fair catch, or make a move and my overall speed.”
The Patriots had a great game on Friday against Chaminade-Madonna winning 41-13. What was it like getting to play on national television during your senior year picking up the big win the day before heading to Nashville for an official visit to Vanderbilt?
“It was no different than playing on TV last year, I treated it like another game.”
How did the Vanderbilt unofficial visit go overall?
“It was good. I enjoyed the game. I talked to the coaches and players a lot. I got to know the players a little bit better.”
When you committed to Vanderbilt back in March, what led you to that decision?
“Consistency. The Vanderbilt coaches talked to me consistently over the others and showed me the most love. They have a game plan for me when I get there. They made me feel comfortable about my future there.”
Did you learn anything new about the program or university during the trip?
“I got to know the players more. I got to see what they like to do when they are hanging out away from football. I saw more of the campus and the dorm rooms on this visit.”
Did you get a chance to work your magic on any recruits that were there still thinking about committing to the Commodores?
“No. I did not see any recruits thinking about committing to Vanderbilt. I met some of the commits in person. I got to talk to them.”
Are you working the phones with other recruits trying to help bring in the best class possible?
“I am. We have a group chatroom where we talk to the other players about committing. I have a teammate interested in Vandy, 2019 athlete Clarence Burley. I am trying to get him in front of the coaches.”
Do you have another visit to Nashville set up before signing day?
“I do, but it was supposed to be during our bye week. We have to make up a game because of Irma now so I am not sure when I will take my official to Vanderbilt.”
Are any teams actively pursuing you trying to get you to sway you away from Vanderbilt?
““There are three or four coaches that have been consistent with me for a long time and continue to communicate with me but they know I am solid with Vanderbilt.”
The Pats have a bye this week before facing Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale) on Oct. 6. What are you working on during the bye week before going into the back half of the schedule?
“We are doing light work now, some walk-throughs. We are watching film on Stranahan and getting ready for Cardinal Gibbons (Oct. 13) after that.”
What kind of challenges will Stranahan’s defense bring to the field against the Pats?
“I don’t think it will be too much of a challenge. I have not seen anything that they are doing that will stop us.”
What are your goals for the 2017 season?
“I want a total of 2,500 yards and 15 to 20 touchdowns.”
Miles, congratulations on a great start to the season and good luck against Stranahan.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Jones family; Miles Jones (left) and Max Worship (safety) at Vanderbilt
Photo credit: Jones family; Miles Jones (left) and Vanderbilt recruits for Alabama game