Interview: Kansas 2018 DE Commit Cartez Crook-Jones Drawing Big National Recruiting Interest

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As the old saying goes, all is fair in love and war, and out on the recruiting trail nothing is scared when it comes down to college football programs competing for a top prospect. Class of 2018 defensive end Cartez Crook-Jones smoked opposing Missouri 4A competition during his junior season leading to early offers from Kansas and Iowa State. A February verbal commitment to the Jayhawks has done nothing to slow down national interest for this three-star prospect perhaps even helping feed the recruiting frenzy.

When Grandview High School took the field during the 2016 season, the one person the opposing head coach, offensive coordinator, running back, right tackle, and most certainly the quarterback were well-aware of was Crook-Jones. The 6-4.5, 240 pound, defender was a beast using a blend of speed and power on his way to a 63-tackle season with 25 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. The raw athleticism Crook-Jones has was on full display routinely fighting through double-teams, chips, rubs, and the occasional kitchen sink thrown in just to try to slow him down. For his efforts, Crook-Jones earned All-Conference and All-District honors but was somehow left off the All-State team.

The All-State snub did nothing to diminish how college programs felt about the budding Missouri talent. In addition to Kansas and Iowa State jumping on the regional recruit, Memphis has also extended an offer. The list of programs finding their way to Grandview this spring was a who’s who of college football that included Alabama, Notre Dame, Auburn, Iowa, Kansas State, Iowa, Iowa State, and in-state power Missouri among others. A few schools will get a first-hand look at Crook-Jones this summer when college camps get into full-swing which should lead to a growing offer sheet.

Fresh off an appearance in the Oakland Nike Opening Regional where he showcased his talents against some of the best in the west, I sat down for a one-on-one interview with Crook-Jones going over his junior season, off-season workouts, and recruiting process thus far.

Interview

Cartez, I’m guessing opposing 4A Missouri high school quarterbacks, running backs, and coaches alike will be happy once you graduate. How did your game take a jump from your sophomore to junior season?

“I learned a lot. I had to sit down and learn more about the game and put my cockiness to the side. I got more dedicated to the game and I watched a lot of film.”

Which parts of your game are you working on this off-season?

“My hands. I have to get a lot better with my hands.”

You recently showed out at the Oakland Nike Opening Regional, how did that camp go for you?

“The camp was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect competition, but I feel like I could have done better. I ran a slow 40. I have tendinitis in my knee. I ran a 4.9 but I normally run a low 4.7, close to 4.6.”

Have you attended any other exposure camps so far this spring?

“No, that was my first camp.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“My max is 270 on bench and 395 on squat.”

How have spring practices gone for you and the Bulldogs?

“Our practices have been good. We are getting a lot better. We are young but we have some young dudes that can play.”

Have any college coaches come by Grandview to watch you practice this spring?

“Alabama, Auburn, Iowa, Iowa State, Mizzou, K-State (Kansas State), Wyoming, Arkansas, Notre Dame – it seems like every Midwest school has come to our school this spring to watch our practices. We’ve had a lot of Midwest schools show up.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you maybe a little bit more than the others but have not offered?

“Alabama is showing a lot of interest. Minnesota is showing a lot and Iowa too.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“I have visited Arkansas, K-State, Mizzou and of course Kansas.”

How did your visit to Arkansas go?

“It was nice. I went to a game against Alabama. I like the coaches there.”

How about your visit to K-State, how did that go?

“It is different out there. They are really family oriented. That is big in my life.”

How did your trip to Mizzou go?

“Crazy. They are showing so much love to in-state athletes. It is hard to say no to them.”

You committed to Kansas on Feb. 9, what led you to commit to the Jayhawks?

“I went to one of their Junior Days, it felt different there. For a defensive end, they have a perfect system. Kansas is 45 minutes away from where I live. My mom can go to every game. All my family can go to all my games.”

Are you attending any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I’m going to camps at Alabama, Iowa State, and Missouri.”

Do you play any other varsity sports for Grandview?

“Basketball.”

How did the season go?

“We should have won state. We have two D-I players on our team.”

Did you get any poster dunks on guys?

“Oh yeah.”

Aside from going undefeated and winning a state title during your senior year, if a dream season were to take place for you, what all would happen during the 2017 schedule?

“First it would be a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. My family works hard. I have that trait in me. I would be All-State, we would win state, and I would get a ring. Basically, I would get everything. I am nine sacks away from the school record. I want 20 sacks this year.”

Cartez, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Cartez Crook-Jones at the Oakland Nike Opening Regional.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 837 Cartez Crook-Jones talking to No. 830 Nick Alftin (Archbishop Mitty) at the Oakland Nike Opening Regional between reps.