Interview: Speedy 2020 CB Isiah Jones is Turning Heads at College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are always amazingly talented players working their trade at the high school level but for whatever reason do not get the coverage they deserve along the recruiting trail. This sentiment applies greatly to Class of 2020 cornerback Isiah Jones. Jones (5-9, 165) was a wicked corner for Orange Vista High School last season securing four picks with a pick-six using his speed and blazing quickness to shutdown Inland Valley League offenses. His talents have not gone completely unnoticed with an offer from Florida Atlantic and interest on the rise after showcasing his skills at multiple college camps this summer. College coaches seeking to see even more of the California product’s athleticism going forward are in for a treat. His game changing speed and explosion in and out of his cuts will be on display as a receiver and kick returner in 2019.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Jones covering the Coyotes 12-2 season in 2018, the growth of his game, and his college camp circuit to date.
Interview
Isiah, the Coyotes defense was salty last season putting the lid on for only nine points per game on average. What made that side of the ball so difficult to go up against?
“We were running man the whole game. We had a power at defensive end with Ethan (Saunders). We were working hard, well-conditioned, and when game day came, we knew what to do. We just had to maintain our focus and come out and perform.”
Watching your reel, it does not take long to see your heads up play and recognition of route trees. How did you prepare for each game during the season?
“I just played smart. I made my reads, ran our coverages, and would make reads off the receiver. If the receiver was close to the sidelines, I knew what he was running. I watched their film so I could make my reads and make plays during the game.”
Your speed pops, especially when you have it in mind to take off, like with your pick-six. What is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
“I have not run a 40-yard dash yet. I feel like I would be in the 4.5 range. I am running track my senior season.”
Going into the offseason, what did you feel were your strengths as a corner?
“My man coverage. I felt like I could lock up anyone who came in front of me. I worked on my stance, my backpedal, and I made sure I was not getting beat. I feel like that was a strength.”
What have you been working on with your game going into your senior year?
“I am going both ways this year. I am working at wideout and corner. This year we are running a Cover 2, I should get more picks. I want six pick-sixes this year. My offensive goal is to score as many times as I can.”
How did spring ball with the Coyotes go?
“It has been going good. We are in 7v7 right now. They are using me a lot. We have young cats moving up. We are trying to get them up to speed. They don’t know what to do yet, but they will.”
Do you see the squad making another run to the championship game in 2019?
“Yes, sir. We have a young QB with a lot of potential. Our defense should be good again this year. We have to get our defensive and offensive line set, but we have all the skill positions set already.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes, sir. I played with the Platinum Boys.”
How did playing 7v7 against talent from all over help improve your game?
“They have a facility. I trained at the Lab in San Bernardino. Coach Jacob worked on releases and coverages with me. I was learning more about the game. I worked on my alignment with receivers and I learned how to get into the DB’s toes. I was learning what receivers learn which is helping me as a corner.”
Which camps have you been to this summer?
“We went to a showcase with Wyoming, they wanted to see me. They also wanted me to go to the SC camp, but I could not make it. I went to a Redlands camp with Utah and Idaho State. Florida, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Arizona State were at another camp. I have been saving up money to go to more camps this summer.”
Are there any more camps on your schedule?
“My 7v7 coach has been sending me some possible camps for me to attend. I have been saving up for those. I want to get a last couple of camps in before the season begins.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Wyoming, New Mexico – I visited them and they like my film, and Texas-El Paso (UTEP). Texas-El Paso – they are interested. They want to watch me this season.”
Have you received an offer?
“Yes, sir. From Florida Atlantic.”
Nice. You mentioned visiting New Mexico, what other visits have you taken?
“I have been to Arizona, Arizona State, New Mexico, and New Mexico State. I was supposed to go to Sac State but could not make it.”
Tell me about the Arizona State visit.
“It was pretty cool. I talked to their defensive backs coach. He told me we don’t like a single position athlete; you have to do multiple things. He helped me with my mindset going into the season. I will also return kicks and play receiver this year to show that I am an athlete. I am ready to go off this season. I am ready to show I can do anything I put my mind to.”
How did the New Mexico visit go?
“The visit was cool. It was a short visit. We saw the weight room, that was nice and so was the field. It was a blessing to go there. They showed us their season video. It was nice. I liked it.”
Isiah, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jones family; Isiah Jones