Interview: A Star is Rising in Oakland with 2019 RB Austin Jones

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

California has a long rich history of turning out top high school running backs who go on to make their mark at the collegiate level putting fear into the hearts of the opposition on Saturdays. One Oakland talent showing the early signs of being one of the next great ones is Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Austin Jones.

The high praise comes after close to two seasons worth of game tape essentially showing the same thing time and time again, Jones can play. The Class of 2019 talent was not shy during his freshman season pacing the Dragons with 1,370 yards coupled with 12 trips to the end zone in 13 games played. The 5-10, 180 pound, back proved to be a workhorse carrying the rock 254 times against California varsity talent as a ninth grader.

The Dragons are off to a 5-1 start in 2016 with Jones once again leading the way in the ground attack. Through six games, Jones has carried the ball 117 times racking up 675 yards with 13 touchdowns going over the 100-yard rushing mark in four games. Another element to his game is shining through, the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He has 10 receptions for 127 yards with another score.

Jones is on track to better his 2015 stat line with his athletic talents taking over. Anyone who has watched him play can attest to his ability to cut on a dime and explode out of that break back to full-speed in a blink of an eye. His great field vision allows him to be shifty in holes taking time for the play to develop before turning on the jets for another crowd pleasing run. Unlike a lot of younger players, Jones finishes his runs with a full head of steam running out big gains without slowing down until he crosses the goal line or forced to the ground.

Interest is just starting to come in for Jones, even the Bay area college teams have not caught on to Jones making his potential arc on the recruiting trail astronomical. Teams sending letters includes UCLA, Florida State, Fresno State, and Washington.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I might be the only person to catch up with Jones sitting him down for a one-on-one covering his abilities on the gridiron.

Interview

Austin, you are on a pace to better your freshman season stat line with 1,462 yards in 13 games. Does it feel like you are having a better season this year over last year?

“Yes, sir. I feel like I have played better this year than last year. I’m more explosive this year.”

How has your game improved during your sophomore season?

“My explosiveness, speed, and my ability to get in and out of cuts quicker.”

What are you still working on as the season progresses?

“I’m working on my blocking, seeing which guys to pick up.”

Your game speed looks pretty amazing, have you been timed in a 40-yard dash yet?

“No, sir.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“My best game so far, it would be the James Logan (won 35-12) game.”

What made that game your best?

“I think I was seeing the holes well and getting in and out of the holes quick. I got my first receiving touchdown in that game and I had three rushing touchdowns. We played well as a team that game.”

You have four games left to finish out regular season, what goals do you have for yourself over the next four?

“1,000 yards rushing for the season and 20 total touchdowns.”

Are there any games you are excited to play over the others?

“Our next game (Castro Valley) and our last game (San Leandro). I have a bunch of friends that go to San Leandro. Our next game against Castro Valley, they are a really good team. We are still in a fight for a league championship.”

How does the team look heading towards the playoffs?

“The team looks great. Our offensive line is getting better and better. I think our secondary is one of the best hands down. Our linebackers are great. Our receiver corps is really good. We play really well as a team.”

What is your overall GPA?

“3.81.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“History.”

Is there a college or NFL player you model your game after and if so why?

“I model my game after Todd Gurley (LA Rams). He’s one of my favorites because he is so explosive. When he hits the hole is gone.”

Austin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to watch Austin Jones’ Hudl highlight reel.

Photo credits: fnphoto.pixiest.com; No. 20 Austin Jones in action.