Interview: Varsity Freshman Season Upside has 2024 California TE/LB Camden Jones on D-I Track
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The story is as old as competitive sports itself, and that is when preparation meets opportunity destiny takes over making great things happen. From the sounds of it, Camden Jones was not aware how big of an impact he would have during his freshman season playing varsity ball with Maranatha High School. Once the 2020 season concluded this spring in California, the Pasadena area talent was a two-way starter lining up at tight end and linebacker. The 6-6, 207-pound, talent showed the raw skill and athleticism that has him on track to being a D-I player. The upside displayed has already drawn scouting eyes from Arizona State, UCLA, UNLV, Utah, Oregon State, and Washington.
In an exclusive first-look interview, Jones made a stop at the RNG Lab covering ground on his foundation laying varsity season with an update on his college camp performances.
Interview
Camden, you got that unique experience getting to play varsity ball as a freshman during the 2020 California football season. Getting that action in on the field, what was that like for you?
It was a great experience. It was mostly because we had a shortage of players, but my coaches believed in me and thought I could make a big difference. I feel that I showed I could make a big difference, and we had a great season.
Your speed jumps off the film, no adjustment needed there. But what were some of the other parts of your game that had to be adjusted leveling up to varsity ball?
My technique, footwork, the mechanics – all the basics and fundamentals. I had to get the basics and getting everything down, and I was asking a lot of questions.
On defense, what scheme were you guys running and what were your roles within it?
We had a 3-front. Basically, they had us running more pass coverage with the best pass rushers up front to stop the quarterback. We were more pass coverage than pass rushing. But we did well stopping the run and keeping the quarterback from scrambling.
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
Reading where the quarterback is going, seeing his eyes, containing and making sure nothing got outside of me. I did well at reading defenses, calling out plays, and being a playmaker on defense.
On offense, what system were you guys executing?
We were more of a passing team. They always had a tight end for extra blocking, that’s why I didn’t run too many routes. They used my height as an advantage. We were in a pro-style set with 11- and 12-personnel.
As that tight end, looks like you were getting down and dirty in the trenches and they were pulling you around as a lead blocker. Given the different opportunities, how did your overall blocking skills improve?
They definitely were good, and I will do better than last season this year. I did well with blocking. My coaches helped me get there. I never let anyone past me; I always made sure of that.
This offseason, what have you been doing to add more strength and power to your game?
More footwork drills, conditioning, working with friends, hitting drills, and blocking drills. I have been running routes, I want to implement that into my tight end game. I have been working on blocking and lifting more too.
How have you worked to develop your speed?
By going onto the field working on my 40-time, leg workouts, running around my neighborhood to get my stamina up and improve my overall speed.
This summer, have you been to any college camps?
Yes. I have been to two, University of Las Vegas two weeks ago and Sac State last week. I plan on going to more next month.
The UNLV camp was a big one. How did that camp go for you?
It went well. I was noticed by a lot of coaches. The UNLV camp was a great experience. That was my first camp. I learned a lot from college coaches, they have helped me out at as a tight end.
Following up on that, what were some of the things the college coaches taught you that will help you going forward?
They showed me how to get lower in my stance and with my blocking. In a three-point stance, running straight in my routes. I was taught as a tight end to run off two feet, they taught me how to do everything in a three-point stance.
And the Sac State camp, how did that go?
It went pretty well, like UNLV. I learned a lot more. I learned more about footwork from the cone and bag drills. The coaches helped me out a lot more. I am seeing more improvement in myself with the camps.
You mentioned there were more college camps upcoming for you, which camps might you attend?
I am thinking about a Michigan State camp towards the end of July.
Camden, I enjoyed getting to know you and more about your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the summer workouts and upcoming camps.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Jones family; Camden Jones