Interview: 3-Star 2021 California LB Jekob Jones Ready to Repeat in 2020
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 campaign was a miracle season for the Central Grizzlies. The squad rolled through their non-conference and Tri-River schedule in style and then took on top California teams in the playoffs finishing with a 15-0 record after topping Sierra Canyon 34-19 in the state championship game. The rings, trophies, and No. 25 national MaxPreps ranking would not have been possible without the contributions on both sides of the ball from Class of 2021 recruit Jekob Jones.
Jones earned about every honor possible at the conclusion of his junior season adding two-time first team All-State linebacker, two-time Tri-River Defensive Player of the Year, 2019 Valley Defensive Player of the Year, and Tri-River League All-Conference to his three-star recruiting status. The 5-11, 220-pound, defender lit up teams for 85 stops, 13 tackles for a loss, five sacks, and two picks along the way. As a short-yardage back, Jones took 24 handoffs 95 yards with 10 trips into the end zone.
Another big season is ahead for Jones and the Grizzlies. Another set of rings and trophies are on their minds, and a recruiting decision still lies ahead for Jones. For an update on it all, Jones revisited the RNG Lab for another confab.
Interview
Jekob, how have your offseason workouts gone overall with the team?
With our team, we have not had workouts yet. We’ve been doing individual workouts. Our strength coach has workouts for us, we do our workouts at home. He gives us two options, with or without weights so we can get a solid workout in.
With Central East, what roles will you be taking on during the 2020 season?
Pretty much the same as last year. I will be playing Mike and some running back on our “tank unit”. Scoring touchdowns is fun, being that tank running back is a good thing.
What style of defense are you guys going to execute?
We will stick with what works and with what has been getting us championships; we’ll be in a 3-4 defense again this season.
What have you been working on with your game as a linebacker to have the best senior season possible?
A lot of footwork, working smaller muscles, not just the big muscles everyone sees. I’ve worked on my ankle mobility and foot strength. You gotta work on the small things. I’ve been doing Plyometric workouts, working on my balance, doing yoga, and a lot of stretching. On the field, I’ve been doing footwork drills, working on my hips, change of direction – anything that involves moving forward, lateral, and backwards, I have been working on it.
How have you added more power to your game this offseason with the workouts that you’ve been doing?
My trainers do a great job of creating new things for my body. I do the regular stuff, bench, squats, cleans, but the different workouts they have me doing, there are some crazy stuff in there. I have been doing different band workouts hitting things you do not normally see. It has been really good. My body is not used to it, my trainers have me doing different things so I do not plateau out.
You also touched on this a minute ago. Going deeper, what have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
I’ve been in the sand pit a lot and running hills, which helps getting your legs up. In a football game, you have to run for 60 minutes getting your knees up. The sand helps with speed and muscle endurance for the fourth quarter.
Did you get a 40-yard dash time in this summer?
Yes. I ran a 4.64 at a camp a couple of months ago at the Winners Circle Camp in Corona.
The one-on-ones may have been limited for you because of the practice setup in California, but where are you noticing the improved differences in your skills this summer?
I definitely feel more mobile, that has to do with working on the small things – my ankle strength, getting in and out of my breaks quicker, and my speed. I dropped my 40 from a 4.85 my sophomore year. All the running has helped.
What is the practice schedule for the team going forward?
We don’t know right now. The date now is in December. Anything can change, but we do not know as of right now.
I always want to get the recruiting update in with you. How many offers do you have now?
Five.
Jones’ Offer Sheet: Cal-Poly, Idaho, Northern Arizona, Sacramento State, and UC-Davis
This summer, did you take any virtual visits?
Yes, a lot of colleges have sent out virtual visits. They are good, but I do want to see these colleges in person, even without meeting the coaches. I want to see the area for myself.
Which schools lined up virtual visits for you?
Idaho, Sac State, Cal-Poly, NAU, and UC-Davis; all my offers.
A minute ago you mentioned wanting to see the different campuses in-person, which schools would you like to go see?
If we can visit, I want to see all the colleges that have offered, official or unofficial. I want to see all those places and get a better feel for the college and around those areas. I want to see it all with my own eyes.
Understood. Since the offseason is extended in California, what short-term goals have you set for yourself as you prepare for the 2020 season?
My goals are to keep working and keep working out. I do 100 pushups a day and my other workouts. The goal is to keep being consistent with my workouts. Pushups are a great way to keep that strength.
Jekob, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success as you continue your offseason workouts.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Jones family; Jekob Jones