Interview: 2019 Texas RB Qualan Jones Shows Legit 4.49 Speed at Dallas Nike Regional
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is no question that Qualan Jones passes the eyeball test in person and on tape, but can the 5-10, 219-pound, running back past the test against a large mix of top regional talent and an unforgiving laser-timed 40-yard dash? As has been the case over the past two seasons, and on Sunday at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional, Jones is a standout never letting himself or his school down.
Jones jumped onto the scene during his sophomore season giving a glimpse of coming attractions rushing for 538 yards off 92 carries with nine trips into the end zone. He showed some of his all-purpose back skills snagging 11 passes for 197 yards with two more scores posted on the board. The spectacle of physical talents bumped up a few more notches in 2017 seeing the junior streak for 1,193 yards off 103 totes with 18 touchdowns. He also pulled in six passes for 80 yards with two more reasons to celebrate and picked up 10 stops in limited time at linebacker on defense for Trinity Christian High School (Cedar Hill, TX).
The Tigers put together a season to remember running to a TAPPS Division II championship with a 12-1 record. The offense was balanced featuring freshman standout Shedeur Sanders in the pocket and a ground attack with Class of 2018 tailback Maurice Washington (123/1,253 yds/15 TDs) and Jones. For his efforts out of the backfield, Jones earned first team All-District honors drawing some next level interest.
Beyond the tape and stat line, Jones is coming off yet another performance that puts him in rarefied air – his Nike camp performance. His SPARQ score, a combination of testing in agility, speed, and strength, put him into the Top 30 athletes nationally tested by Nike thus far in 2018. His 4.49 laser-time ran in the 40-yard dash shows his breakaway speed against Texas high school talent is the real deal; so much so, Baylor offered shortly after the test scores were posted.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jones at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional covering his junior season on the field, camp performance, and recruiting prospects.
Interview
Qualan, during the 2017 season you and Maurice Washington formed a ridiculously talented one-two punch for Trinity Christian, did you guys have a cool nickname?
(Laughs). No. We did not have a nickname for our backfield. We worked really well together and showed each other love play after play.”
What was the rotation like between you and Maurice in 2017?
“Some games he started and some I started. If he was tired or needed a breather, I would finish everything out.”
What were the differences in running styles between the two of you?
“I’m a power back. When I get the ball, I will get my yards. I have some juke moves but I am a downhill runner. Maurice uses his speed and jukes people to get downfield.”
How did your game improve overall during your junior season?
“My overall game improved by working on cone drills and footwork over the offseason. I watched a lot of film to see my weaknesses so I could improve my overall game. My field vision improved a lot last year. I was a one-cut and gone runner. If I broke out, no one could catch me.”
With Maurice graduating, what will the rotation be like during your senior year?
“This year, I will start. In some formations we will have two-backs, me and Ja’Marvin Hartfield. When we are in the Pistol, a two-back set, the spread, or under the center, I will be in there.”
How are you preparing this offseason for the challenges you’ll face defending the title in 2018?
“I am really trying to get stronger in the weight room. I am watching film from last year so I can do even better this year. The goal is to always get faster.”
I got to see you up close and personal at the Dallas Nike Regional, how did the camp go for you?
“I enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun. There was great competition there.”
What did you do well during the one-on-one session?
“I improved on my footwork and catching the ball out of the backfield. I was breaking down the defender to get open.”
How did you do in the drills?
“I blew it out of the water. I had one of the highest SPARQ scores for the camp. I am in the Top 30 overall national rankings and I was No. 3 overall at the Dallas camp.”
What was your 40-yard dash time?
“I ran a 4.49.”
That’s great. What was your SPARQ score?
“130.35.”
Great job.
“Thank you.”
What other camps have you been to this offseason?
“I have been to the Under Armour All-American Camp and the Rivals Three-Stripe Camp.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?
“I am not sure yet. I will hit up some college camps, but I am not sure which ones yet.”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“I have been talking to Arkansas, Arizona, SMU, Houston, and Nebraska.”
Which schools have offered you?
“Baylor and Howard.”
You got the Baylor offer after the Nike camp, how did that come about for you?
“Baylor offered yesterday. Coach (Jeff) Nixon (running backs) was at the Opening camp on Sunday. He was glad to see me do well. A couple of hours later after the camp, he called me and told me ‘we really like you, we want you in our offense.’ Later on, Coach (Joey) McGuire (tight ends) called and said he had good news for me, that is when they offered me.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I went to SMU for a Junior Day visit.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I might visit Baylor this weekend. We have a track meet this weekend in Waco. I run on Saturday. If the track meet is over early enough, they want to see me there.”
Which events in track are you running?
“My events are the 4×1, 4×2, and the open 100.”
What is your best time in the 100?
“10.9.”
Nice. Alright, back to football. During a game, what kind of player are you, are you a talker or do you let your play do the talking?
“When I first start a game, I stay humble. When people talk to me, I block it out. If it keeps going, then I start talking.”
Which away stadium has been the best atmosphere as a visitor to play?
“I’d say Brock.”
For those that have never been to a Tigers home game, what are the Trinity Christian fans like for one of your games?
“Our home fans are loyal. They come to all the games. They cheer us on no matter what. They are very supportive of us.”
Qualan, thanks for your time today and good luck this weekend at your track meet.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Qualan Jones at the 2018 Dallas Nike Regional