Interview: California ATH/CB Davon Jones has Stage Set for Big Senior Campaign

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The coaches at Quartz Hill High School have no problems trying to figure out what to do with Davon Jones – just put him anywhere on the gridiron and watch him go. Jones has been all over the field during his sophomore and junior seasons building his craft on offense at receiver and on defense at corner. All the hard work and dedication to the game has the Class of 2018 recruit set for a big senior season.

The Rebels’ staff knew they had something special with Jones from the start. During his sophomore season, Jones carried the rock three times for 14 yards, returned three kicks for 58 yards, and pulled in four passes for 28 yards with a trip to the end zone. Where his skillset shinned brightest was on defense with 29 tackles, six solo, two for a loss, one interception returned 42 yards, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

The sophomore experience for Jones paid off for the Rebels in 2016 helping the California team to a 10-4 record. Jones was once again all over the field but filled in the stat sheet with bigger numbers. On offense, 25 yards rushing and two scores and 26 passes caught for 420 yards with three touchdowns. The 6-0, 192 pound, athlete made opposing offenses pay coming his way with 23 tackles, 12 solo, one tackle for a loss, eight passes broken up, two interceptions, one pick-six, a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, and a forced fumble.

A lot of Division-I interest is coming in for the two-time All-Golden League defensive back, All-CIF corner, and 2016 first team All-Golden League receiver. The long list includes Arizona State, Colorado, Cal, San Diego State, Fresno State, Memphis, UNLV, Oregon State, and Washington State among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Jones getting insight on his growing abilities on the gridiron along with an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Davon, statistically your game took a big step forward from your sophomore to junior year. Which areas of your game improved allowing you to have a bigger impact on the field?

“My sophomore year we had a lot of seniors, I did not get a lot of run on offense. We had a great D-line and great linebackers, it was hard to come in on tackles for stats. During the off-season before my junior year, I watched a lot of film. I watched highlight reels of my favorite defensive backs and learned from them. I got stronger and I was able to better recognize plays on the field.”

Playing receiver, which corner or safety challenged you last year?

“There wasn’t anyone that was that tough last year. We played against some good DBs like Morrel Osling, from Antelope Valley. He is at UCLA now.”

Same question, but from your corner position. Which receiver helped make you better by presenting a challenge?

“In practice, Randy Clemons is tough. He is a big tight end. Arthur Delgado is another one. He is shifty and quick. Matthew Tago (UCLA commit) too. When we are at practice, he can play receiver or tight end. He is a freak athlete.

“Against competition on other teams, we played against Devon Williams (Antelope Valley). He is the No. 1 ranked athlete in California. He is really good. Raeshawn Roland from Arcadia, he is at Dixie State now. He was a good one too.”

You had a pretty smooth strip-six last season. What was going through your mind once you had cleared the line of scrimmage and knew you were going to score?

“Man! I was wanting to get into the end zone as fast as I can. I wanted to put some points on the board to change the momentum of the game.”

You returned some kicks during your sophomore season, any chance we will see you on special teams during the 2017 season?

“Yes. You will most definitely see me on kick return.”

Where all will we see you on the field this year?

“Corner, nickel back, and some at safety. On offense, at slot and on the outside, tailback, and at three-back (H-back).”

How will your role change on offense?

“When we go spread, I’ll be in the slot. If we have two tight ends on the line, I will be out wide. In a power formation, I will be the three-back. On short yardage and goal line plays, I’m a big body they can use as a blocker.”

I have to ask – I think Matthew Tago is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country, even if he is a four-star linebacker. What is it like as a receiver working with Tago building that chemistry on the field?

“We started in youth league at nine-years-old. We have a good connection on an off the field. He puts it on the money. It is hard to drop a pass from him.”

One can see the building of the Rebels team with the 2018 class. You guys took some lumps in 2015 going 4-6 but all that experience turned into a 10-4 year in 2016. What can fans of Quartz Hill football expect in 2017?

“They can expect CIF and state. We plan on going 16-0 this year.”

Nice. What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.49.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I take my first test in August.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Colorado, Oregon State, Nevada, UNLV, Fresno State, Utah State, San Diego State, New Mexico, Wyoming, Memphis, Washington State, San Diego, and Northern Arizona. All the schools want to see my four-game highlight. Most of them want to see me at the nickel this year.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I have taken two, one to UC Davis and one to Fresno State.”

Do you have any visits set up for the season yet?

“No. Not yet.”

Last question, what is your motivation out on the field?

“It really is a family thing. There are family members on my mom side that played in the NFL and family members on my dad’s side that played college football.”

Are any of your family members helping you with your game and growth on the field?

“D’Andre Goodwin (wide receiver). He played at University of Washington and for the Denver Broncos. His mom and my mom are sisters. When I was younger, he would teach me the rights and wrongs on the field. Now he is showing me the mental part of the game.”

Very cool. Davon, thanks for your time today and good luck with your senior season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Los Angeles Daily News; No. 7 Davon Jones scores a touchdown (2016)

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 7 Davon Jones on defense (2016)

Photo credit: Jones family; Davon Jones at UC Davis