Interview: Overpowering 2018 Louisiana 4-Star WR Kenan Jones Sharpening Skills in Off-Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
College coaches looking to add talent to their roster out of the high school ranks always look to see if the scouted player dominates his competition on the gridiron. When coaches got around to checking out Berwick High School Class of 2018 standout Kenan Jones, there were no questions about how he enforced his will to succeed upon the opposition.
Jones has all the measurables coaches at all levels want in a receiver. Listed at 6-3, 200, Jones has the frame, hands, and speed to breakdown defenses and create mismatches against opposing defensive backs. Sophomore season stats were incomplete, but rough stats had him with approximately 26 receptions for 800 yards and at least three touchdowns. His 2016 season was not a disappointment either pulling down 48 passes for 934 yards with 10 trips to the end zone. Moving the chains at a 19 yard per reception average helped his Panthers squad jump from a 3-7 season in 2015 to 8-3 in 2016.
The recruiting process for Jones is seemingly over before it really got started. Four teams have already offered the Louisiana talent; Louisiana-Lafayette, Kansas, and Louisville. The other offer from in-state powerhouse LSU maybe too much for other interested programs to overcome.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with the LSU Tigers commit covering his junior season and off-season workout plans while covering his recruitment process to date.
Interview
Kenan, you overpowered opposing defensive backs on the way to 934 yards with 10 scores during you junior season. How did you prepare for each game during the season?
“We lost a lot of players going into the 2016 season. I knew I was going to have to step up. I was always working on my routes. That is one of my weak things but my athleticism makes up for it. During the season we would watch game film every day, before practice and after, to get ready for our next opponent.”
Which aspects of your game got better throughout the 2016 schedule?
“My catching abilities and my physicality.”
What will you work on to improve upon for your senior year?
“I’m working on my footwork, route running, and I will lift, lift, and lift.”
Do you remember your weight room maxes from over the summer?
“My bench was 225, squat 325, and my power-clean was 265.”
What is the fastest 40-yard dash you have posted?
“At a LSU camp I ran a 4.48.”
No contesting that. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?
“There are a lot. Off the top of my head, Arkansas, (Texas) A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma. Those are some of the schools showing interest.”
Which schools do you have offers from so far?
“LSU, UL (Louisiana-Lafayette), Louisville, and Kansas.”
What led you to commit to LSU on Jan. 28?
“I felt comfortable around the coaching staff.”
Do you know how they will use you in their scheme?
“As a wide out on the outside. I watched film from when LSU’s offensive coordinator (Matt Canada) was at Georgia Tech. I liked what I saw.”
Are you going to any camps this off-season?
“No.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.3.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math.”
Are you playing any winter or spring sports?
“Track.”
Which events?
(Laughs) “The high jump, triple jump, long jump, 100 (meters), 400, 200, 4×1, 4×2, and 4×4.”
Wow. That’s a lot of work coming your way.
“Yes, sir.”
Which event is your best?
“The triple jump and long jump.”
What are your goals in the triple jump and long jump this season?
“In the triple jump I want to hit break 52”. I want to be No. 1 in the nation. In the long jump I want to hit 25”.”
What are your personal records in both events?
“In the triple jump I am at 47-something and in the long jump I am at 24-something.”
What did you think about Super Bowl LI?
“It was a terrible night. I was going for the underdog. Julio Jones (Atlanta WR) had some great catches. The one on the sideline with both feet in bounds was amazing.”
How does watching the sport’s biggest game inspire you personally?
“It made me want to strive for greatness. Everyone who plays football wants to be in that spot one day.”
Kenan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Jones family; Kenan Jones at LSU.
Photo credit: Franklin Banner-Tribune; No. 9 Kenan Jones breaks free for a big gain.
Photo credit: fanbuzz.com; No. 9 Kenan Jones on the sidelines.