Interview: 4-Star 2021 Louisiana DE Saivion Jones Talks MVP Season and LSU Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If knowing Class of 2021 defensive end Saivion Jones earned All-Metro, All-District, and All-State MVP honors does not impress, perhaps the stat line will. The 6-5, 250-pound, defender was a monster off the edge for St. James High School compiling 90 stops, 67 solo, with 29 tackles for a loss, 25 quarterback hurries, 13 sacks, batted down three passes, forced two balls loose, and recovered three. All the hard work on defense was doubled on offense as a blocking tight end with the culmination of his efforts going into a 15-0 season for the Wildcats taking home a 3A Louisiana trophy at the end of the season.

The constant harassment of tackles, running backs, and quarterbacks has led to four-star recruiting status and 20 offers dropped from programs across the nation for Jones. The recruiting process is heating up for the MVP with multiple visits taken and takes another step forward strengthening his bond with the LSU staff this weekend on another visit to Baton Rouge. To talk about it all, we sat down for an RNG one-on-one.

Interview

Saivion, you know this already, but you were a menace to offensive tackles and quarterbacks last season getting into the backfield with ease. What was working for you so well allowing you to make it look so easy?

“What worked the most for me is my speed. I am a big guy, but I get off the ball fast, that is my advantage.”

Given how prolific you were, did any of the opposing linemen or quarterbacks ask in the nicest way possible for you to go easy on them?

(Laughs) “No. They come up to me after the game saying you could have gone easier.”

What were some of the moves you were using besides your speed rush to get into the backfield?

“Besides my speed, my second favorite move was a spin. Another move I used is called bull-and-pull.”

How did your overall game improve last season against the run in the Wildcats’ 3-4?

“During the offseason I focused mainly on stopping the run because I wanted to get better at that. My game improved from practice going up against my own offensive linemen.”

Was there a challenge that you faced on the field last year that helped make you a better player?

“Yeah. Me making errors. I corrected those errors which helped me.”

Last season you got time on the other side of the field playing tight end. What was your role on offense last season?

“As a tight end, I was a blocking tight end for the run and the pass. There were some plays where I would go out for an actual pass.”

Next season, are you taking on any new positions?

“The only thing I will do different is spending more time at tight end.”

Which parts of your game are you working on this offseason?

“I’m working on being quicker and I am working on being more agile. I am trying to cut down on my time to the QB.”

College coaches are loving what they are seeing in you. How many offers do you have?

“20.”

Jones’ Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Houston, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana (ULL), Louisiana-Monroe, LSU, Mississippi State, Nicholls State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, South Alabama, Texas A&M, Tulane, Texas-San Antonio, Virginia, West Virginia

Which schools were the last three to offer?

“Oklahoma State, Louisiana Tech, and Ole Miss.”

Are there any schools showing interest but have yet to offer?

“Arizona and Memphis.”

Over the last few months, have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes, sir. I’ve been to ULL, Tulane, LSU, and UTSA.”

How did the ULL trip go?

“It was a great day. They had a great game going on. I loved it. Tulane was the same. At LSU – they were all the same. All the coaches have showed me love at all the schools.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“On Saturday I am taking an unofficial visit to LSU. I’m taking a tour when I am there this time.”

With the offers in hand, are the coaches seeing you as an end in their system or are they wanting to put weight on you and have you play tackle?

“They let me know that they have multiple schemes and I could line up at multiple positions. I could end up being an outside rusher or an outside linebacker.”

Saivion, it was great covering ground with you today. Good luck with your workouts and visit to LSU this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: St. James HS/Jones family; Saivion Jones 2019 state champs