Interview: 2019 Arkansas DB Donte Jones Updates Offseason Ahead of Weekend Tulane Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2017 season may not have gone as Donte Jones had planned, but in retrospect, all things turned out excellent. His Bentonville Tigers squad posted a 10-3 record making a run to the 7A Arkansas state title game suffering a heartbreaking 44-37 loss to North Little Rock. The one goal of a state title may have been narrowly missed, but his move from safety to cornerback has started opening up recruiting doors leading to an exciting offseason of recruiting potential.

Jones ended his junior season with an estimated stat line of 40 to 50 tackles with about 10 passes broken up. The result has been an appearance on recruiting boards in the region. Tulane, Sam Ford University, and Harding University are among the first to zero in on the 5-11, 170 pound, budding talent. With Junior Day visits and camp and combine season in full-swing, expect more teams to find out about a kept secret in the Natural State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Class of 2019 defensive back gaining insight on his junior campaign, offseason workouts, and emerging recruiting interest.

Interview

Donte, as far as the state of Arkansas goes, I don’t think the Tigers could have played a much tougher schedule. What was it like for you running through all that tough Class 7A competition in 2017?

“I think it was a good experience for me and for the team. Knowing that we were going up against some of the best teams in the state, that showed we are not just a decent team but that we are a very good team.”

During the regular season, how did your game come along as a defensive back?

“At first the coaches had me at safety, but as the season went on they needed depth at corner. Corner was new to me. At safety, you can roam the field. At corner, you are one-on-one. I adjusted well to the position change and I improved as the year went on.”

How did your game improve as a safety early in the season?

“At safety, from my freshman to JV year, I took a big step up especially with the run. I had to practice coming up making tackles. When you are younger, everyone is the same size. At the varsity level, I was tackling running backs bigger than me. My downhill game improved a lot.”

What about at corner? You mentioned your game got better as the season went on, in what ways?

“At corner, I really had to practice reading receivers, their eyes and their hips. I worked on a lot of one-on-one coverage. We ran more man than zone last year. Our players were better in man-to-man coverage. Man is harder, it takes more time to get better. If you mess up in man coverage, that is on you. There is no one else to blame.”

How did the playoff run help push your game forward?

“During the playoffs it was more of a challenge – we were playing better teams. It forced me to step up more and contribute even more.”

Which game was the toughest for you or the best challenge for you last season?

“One game in the regular season that was a challenge was our game against Bentonville West. That was a big rivalry game with about 11,000 people in the stands. The state championship game was a high-pressure game as well. We all wanted to step up for the win against North Little Rock.”

How did those challenging games help you as a player going forward?

“It helped me by realizing what I can expect for next year and how to prepare myself for those moments when they happen again.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I need to get stronger and I am working on all the small detail stuff – flipping my hips, locating ball in the air, and my ball skills.”

Where all on the field might we see you in 2018?

“I will be at safety or corner, wherever the team will need me. Last year I played special teams. I like being on kickoff. I like that.”

Will we see you on offense next year?

“I plan on going through the receiver drills this offseason. I’d like to play offense this season to show what I can do with the ball.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring and summer?

“Yes, sir. I am playing with Fast Arkansas.”

Do you have any camps or combines lined up yet?

“I performed at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio at the beginning of the month. I plan on going to the Rivals-Adidas camp in March. I am waiting for an email on the Nike Regional. With college camps, I am looking out for other camps I might be interested in attending. Last year, I was at the Memphis Big Cat Camp. I will look for other satellite camps like that to go to and some team specific camps as well.”

How did the U.S. Army All-American Combine go for you?

“I thought I did decent there, especially during the one-on-one portion. My 40-yard dash was not great, but I did well everywhere else.”

A minute ago, you mentioned college camps, which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Schools that are showing interest in me are Harding and Tulane.”

Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?

“I’ve been on game day visits to Harding, Tulane, and to Sam Ford in Birmingham (AL).”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“On Saturday, I will be at Tulane for a Junior Day visit.”

What all do you plan on doing at Tulane this weekend?

“I do not have the itinerary yet. I figure we will tour more of the campus and see more of the school that we did not get to see during the game day visit.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“The Tulane coach said he liked what he saw of my film. I’ve heard from others that say they like my size, especially if I gain some weight, they like the way I read the ball, and the way I flip my hips on the field.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports for Bentonville this school year?

“Track and field.”

Which events?

“The 110-meter hurdles, the 300 hurdles, and I am trying the long jump this year.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.5 cumulative GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have a score of 19 on the ACT with a super score of 21. I am taking the test again in February to boost my overall score.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Science. I like doing more hands-on stuff. The paper and pencil stuff gets boring to me. I have a Zoology and Anatomy & Physiology class that I really enjoy. We get to dissect things.”

Last question. Is there a player at the college or NFL you watch to learn more about the game?

“I like watching Cam Chancellor (Seattle Seahawks). I like how he comes up and how he hits people.”

Donte, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit this weekend to Tulane.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Bentonville High School Facebook fan page; No. 15 Donte Jones