Interview: 2022 CB/WR D’Shawn Jones Jr. Continues to Impress with Camp Performance

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

It is what it is, and what it is with D’Shawn Jones Jr. is an impressive show. The Class of 2022 cornerback and receiver worked his way into the role of a reliable two-way player for California powerhouse Sierra Canyon last season as the team stomped through the Division 1/2 playoffs. As the Trailblazers rolled to their 14-2 record, their 5-10, 165-pound, athlete was earning his stripes as a rising national recruit.

When the 2019 season ended, Jones had locked up against some of the Golden State’s best receivers and quarterbacks tallying 19 stops, 11 solo, with two picks and 11 passes broken up. On offense, he locked in eight passes covering 130 yards. This offseason, he took his skills to a Rivals Combine becoming one of eight kids out of 1,000-plus to be invited back the following day for the website’s camp. That opportunity was not wasted with Jones showing out becoming a social media sensation for all the right reasons; details to come. Adding to his resume, Jones is a true-student athlete, carrying a 3.8 GPA average while taking three honors classes.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of Los Angeles’ best in the 2022 class getting the inside scoop on his offseason workouts.

*Click link for Nov. 14, 2019, RNG interview with D’Shawn Jones

Interview

D’Shawn, we spoke last in mid-November when the Trailblazers were in the playoff run. Looking back, what was that experience like for you playing some of the best teams in California?

“It was fun, really fun. I got to line up against (4-star QB) CJ Stroud (Ohio State), that was fun, and I went against a (3-star) receiver (Silas Bolden) who is going to Oregon State, that is always fun.”

Through the playoffs, which game was your best personal performance?

“Rancho (Cucamonga), by far. I had three pass breakups, tackles, and two catches. That was my best game throughout the whole season.”

When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on offense?

“On offense, I felt like I improved on a lot. My route running, breaking my routes, and my catching all improved last season.”

And what about on defense?

“My coverage improved a lot. I got better overall, but my coverage was much better. At the beginning of the season, my coverage was iffy compared to the end. I was getting out of my breaks faster and understanding what the receiver was doing.”

How will the Trailblazers utilize your talents during the 2020 season?

“On defense, at corner, definitely. On offense, I will be switching between outside receiver and slot.”

Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?

“I’ve been doing a lot of training with Coach Holland, track practice, and working out on my own.”

Which 7v7 team were you playing with this spring?

“Formula for Speed.”

How was Formula for Sports helping you improve your talents as a receiver and corner?

“I was doing more defensive back and receiver work, and I got to compete against other talented players on the team and in tournaments; that is always good.”

Before all the camps were cancelled, did you get a chance to compete at any national camps and/or combines?

“Yes. I went to a Rivals camp.”

How did that camp go for you?

“I went to the combine on the first day. I ran my 40, a guy from Rivals saw me. He told me to come see him at the end of the camp. I was invited to the camp the next day, the real camp. I got to compete, and I went viral on Instagram.”

What did you do to go viral?

“I juked someone out.”

About how many hits did your video get?

“I think it was 100,000 hits.”

D’Shawn, it was great catching up with you today covering your offseason workouts and the camp. Wishing you continued success with all that you do until we speak again.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Formula 4 Speed/Jones: D’Shawn Jones Jr.