Interview: 2021 Mississippi RB Matt Jones Flew Past 6A Defenses for 40 Touchdowns
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is an old expression in football, and that saying is “speed kills”. With that in mind, Class of 2021 running back Matt Jones killed 6A Mississippi defenses during the 2019 season. The 5-9, 186-pound, blur toted the rock 202 times for 1,608 yards with 34 touchdowns, hauled in 14 passes for 201 yards with five more scores, and further showcased the wheels on special teams with eight kicks returned for 247 yards and five punts for 52 more. The Jackson Prep standout earned first team All-State and All-Metro honors helping guide his team to a 10-3 campaign.
With an offer in-hand from Arkansas State and interest rising, I sat down with Jones covering his amazing junior year with a look at his offseason workouts.
Interview
Matt, there are several aspects to your game as a tailback I want to cover today. But first I want to start with your power and balance. You break arm tackles with your balance and length strength. Where does that come from and how have you developed that part of your game?
“The weight room to be honest. It comes from squatting and running to be honest.”
Your speed is deceptive, yet you outrun everyone on the defense. What is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
“My fastest 40 was a 4.48.”
Where did you lay that down?
“I ran that at an Under Armour camp.”
That’s laser-timed too. Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Playing against 6A Mississippi competition is not easy. How did you prepare and take care of your body during the 2019 season for the load you handled with the Patriots?
“I did a lot of pool workouts, trained at D-I with Mike Epsy, and I had a personal trainer that stretched me out to stay loose.”
In addition to all the carries, you were a big threat out of the backfield on passing downs. What were some of the ways the coaches were getting you the ball in the passing attack?
“They were getting me into open space. One man is not going to get me. It was basically Matt get open.”
I like that. Of all the games played last season, which one was your best personal performance?
“My best game was against Taylorsville.”
Why did you pick that game?
“I ran for 218 yards and I had a receiving touchdown. I won Player of the Week that week.”
You have a natural feel for the game, especially with your field vision. What are some of the other strengths to your game that we have not talked about yet?
“Catching the ball out of the backfield, I can read gaps, and I have great vision and speed.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“Having more speed and catching the ball.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Memphis, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), Utah, and Troy.”
Have you received any offers?
“Yes. Arkansas State has offered me.”
Nice. Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“On March 19 I will be at Arkansas State.”
Are you competing at any camps this offseason?
“I will be at an Under Armour camp on March 15 in Texas, a Rivals camp, Southern Miss, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State camps.”
Given your athletic talents, are you competing in any other sports for the Patriots?
“Track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, 4×2, and sometimes the 4×4.”
Impressive again. Matt, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visit and track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Beverly Oden; Matt Jones in action