Interview: 3-Star 2022 Louisiana Talent Emery Jones to Showcase Skills at LT with Catholic
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
On the outside with quick feet and power or on the inside with strength and an attitude, college coaches will have fun sorting out their starting five with Emery Jones on the roster. The 6-5, 320-pound, standout lineman was a dominating force at right tackle and tight end for Catholic High School (12-1) during the 2019. The three-star Class of 2022 talent will get to further display that versatile streak during the 2020 season lining up at left tackle colliding against 5A Louisiana squads. The growing skillset, size, speed, and nasty attitude against defenders has brought 14 offers Jones’ way thus far.
In an RNG first-look, Jones goes into detail on his abilities, workouts, and lists out visits he’d like to take on the recruiting trail if campuses were open today.
Interview
Emery, throughout the 2019 season you were getting after it in the trenches for Catholic at right tackle. Once the season ended what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a lineman?
I feel like I was quicker than most offensive linemen with better bend and I am flexible. Last season I played right tackle and tight end as a blocker. I was flexible and could move around the line.
So not only were you playing right tackle, but you were also lining up on the left side at tight end on certain plays displaying the footwork?
Yes, sir.
What offense were you guys executing last season?
We ran a whole bunch of stuff. We had a good throwing quarterback, he was mobile too, and we also had a sophomore that was a dual-threat too. Last season we did different formations and packages, we had a six-lineman package too, to mix things up. We had a tough schedule and had to do different things to beat the defenses.
Are you guys running the same offense in 2020?
Yes, some of the same things. We have not put in everything yet. We have not been able to game plan fully for the season with our new offensive coordinator. I do know one of the changes will be how fast we are getting to the ball and that we will be more up-tempo.
Where will we see you line up during the 2020 schedule?
I am more focused on offense this year; I will be playing left tackle this year. They want me to spotlight on that this year.
Once you jumped into offseason workouts, what have you focused on with your skill and technique?
With skill, I have focused on my speed. I gained some weight and got my speed up and I got stronger this offseason. I did a real good job at that. My maxes went up a lot. My technique, faster feet, and lower pad level were all a focus; that was a big thing for us as an offensive line. We did a good job with that this offseason.
Strength is another key part of what you bring to the field, have you had a chance to max out this offseason?
We did two-rep maxes. I did 385 on back squat and 270 on bench.
When did the Bears start fall camp?
We started fall camp two weeks ago. We’ve been doing the same things as we did during the summer, working out. The change has been from in the mornings to now doing them after school. We still are not having contact, helmets only, but now with girdles on. The no contact, that is unfortunate.
No doubt. I bet you guys are ready to start hitting.
Yes, sir.
In the limited workouts so far, how is the team looking in your eyes?
We are looking good at all the positions. I think we are matching up well with the team from last year. We had really good dudes last year. I don’t think we got weaker.
The Bears enter the season ranked No. 4 in-state. You guys kickoff the season on Sept. 4 against Parkview Baptist, what kind of showdown are you expecting from the Eagles?
That game was cancelled, they pushed it back today (Tuesday). We now play U-High (University) on Oct. 9. I am not sure if that game will get pushed. I am hoping to get in as many games in this year as possible. U-High is always fun to play. Hope we get to play them.
What are you wanting to showcase the most this season with the growth of your game?
After talking to a lot of college coaches, they talk about how they like how I move and how flexible I am. I want to prove them all right. I am improving with that and not feeling entitled with the offers I have. This season I will work hard and push my teammates to work hard showing my leadership. I can help my brothers out this season so we will be successful.
Let’s get into some recruiting. How many offers do you have?
I have 14 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Colorado, Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M.
Jones’ Offer Sheet: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Houston, Louisiana, LSU, Louisiana Tech, Penn State, Texas A&M, Tulane, Vanderbilt, and Virginia
Nice. Which schools are showing interest heading into the season?
Memphis is really the only one showing interest right now that has not offered.
Once the campuses open back up, are there any visits you’d like to take?
I want to get to all of them. Being honest, I want to take as many visits as possible. My Top 5 visits right now would be Georgia, Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU, and Penn State if possible. Penn State is far for me. If I could get to Penn State, that would be awesome to see how they do stuff there.
Emery, it was awesome mixing it up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your preparations for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Jones family; Emery Jones