Interview: 4-Star 2019 RB Austin Jones Updates Georgia Visit and Recruiting Process

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Coming off a 15-1 championship season in 2016, Bishop O’Dowd High School was once again one of the top programs in the state of California in 2017 thanks in large part to do-everything running back Austin Jones. Jones has now put together three standout seasons at the varsity level with the Dragons creating a frenzy among college programs seeking his talents as part of the 2019 recruiting class.

Although he may make it look easy, Jones’ four-star status was earned the hard way. In 2015, he carried the load 254 times for 1,370 yards with 12 scores on the ground. His game spring-boarded forward in 2016 with 1,967 yards rushing off 322 totes with 27 trips to the end zone. He also began showcasing his all-purpose talents as a sophomore pulling in 22 passes for 234 yards with two more touchdowns.

Jones’ 2017 season was another legacy building romp against Division III competition earning first team All-State, first team All-League, first team All-Metro, and first team All-Bay area honors with 1,560 yards on the ground off 145 carries with 23 touchdowns scored. His abilities in the passing attack were further showcased with 368 yards accumulated off 15 receptions with four more scores. Lost in the numbers, everyone knew No. 20 for the Dragons was getting the ball – somehow and some way. Yet, Jones still averaged 11 yards per carry and 25 yards per reception – proving to be near unstoppable.

Colleges love what they are seeing. So far, 18 programs have dropped offers. Among the hopefuls includes Oregon, UCLA, Utah, Cal, Notre Dame, Missouri, Oregon State, Colorado, Texas State, San Jose State, Arizona State, Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida, Stanford, and Washington.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the 5-10, 190 pound, back minutes after leaving University of Georgia on an unofficial visit to get the inside scoop on the visit with an update on his overall recruitment.

Interview

Austin, how are your offseason workouts going?

“My workouts are going well. I’m running track and playing 7v7.”

Which events in track are you running this year?

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

With football, what is your focus this offseason with your game?

“Speed. I am working on getting a lot faster.”

Are you planning on competing at any national camps or combines this spring?

“I’m going to the Nike Opening in San Francisco. I’m not sure about any other camps yet.”

Any chance you will go to a college camp this summer?

“No.”

You’re a hit among the college coaching staffs, how many offers do you have now?

“I have 18 offers.”

*Jones received offer No. 19 from Missouri minutes after the interview

Of those that have offered, are there any showing a little more interest above the others?

“No, not really.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Georgia, LSU, and Northwestern.”

You’re just now leaving a visit with Georgia, have you taken any other unofficial visits in 2018 yet?

“No.”

How did the visit with the Bulldogs go?

“It was a lot of fun. It was fun going back to see Georgia again. I talked to all the coaches besides the head coach (Kirby Smart). He was out of town.”

What did the coaching staff talk to you about while you were there?

“They mainly talked about the school, how much they want me, getting me back up there for another visit, and keeping touch.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits planned coming up?

“No.”

When you take these various trips, what are you looking at and what are you evaluating?

“I am paying attention to the coaches. I am primarily seeing how they talk to me. I am also making sure the academic programs are good.”

Do you plan on being an early enrollee?

“No. The way my school is set up, we cannot graduate early.”

Have you started to think about when you might verbally commit?

“I have thought about it, but I have no date in mind.”

Austin, congratulations on a successful visit to Georgia. I appreciate your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Jones family; Austin Jones at Georgia