Interview: 2022 RB Jason Jones Jr. is Having a Breakout Season for Sierra Canyon

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Since the 2014 California high school football season, Sierra Canyon High School has been one of the top programs in the state. Since that 11-2 season guided by head coach Jon Ellinghouse, the small school has continued to rise up the classification ranks while maintaining that winning edge. The 2018 season was a success ending with a 12-4 record capturing a Division III CIF title before going onto state. Through that fantastic run, another talent was rising on the Trailblazer roster – Class of 2022 running back Jason Jones Jr.

As a freshman, Jones got his feet wet at the varsity level a year ago rushing 12 times for 44 yards while pulling in a 31-yard pass. Although the stats were minimum, the experience was the key. Those reps against top competition paid off over the offseason in focus and determination for Jones (5-9, 173). The results in 2019 speak for themselves; Jones is leading a very talent Trailblazer rotation with 552 rush yards off 50 totes with four touchdowns. The other noteworthy information to share, Sierra Canyon is 8-1 this season now playing a Division 1/2 schedule and the offense is still humming along posting 30 per game.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising stars out of the backfield in the 2022 class to see how he prepared for his breakout season and to see how his skills are continuing to grow as the Trailblazers prepare for another deep playoff run.

Interview

Jason, you got some snaps in with the varsity as a freshman. How did those reps help you prepare over the offseason for the 2019 grind?

“It helped me prepare a lot. It helped me realize what I needed to do to get ready for the varsity level. Getting those reps, I knew how to prepare for the next season and that also helped my mindset.”

What did you work on with your skillset?

“I worked on my legs, speed, and my cuts. I worked on getting stronger overall.”

Did you receive any outside training or work with a 7v7 team?

“Yes. I trained and played 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed. I worked with Coach DT (Daniel Terry).”

How did that extra work help push your game forward?

“It helped me with my routes and when guarding someone on defense. It helped me be more aggressive. It also helped a lot with my footwork and field vision.”

This season, you are leading the Trailblazers in rush yards sporting an 11 yard per carry average. How are you seeing all that time put into your game unfold on the field this season?

“The improvements I am seeing, one is my confidence. I was nervous last year anytime I was in. This year, I trust in my footwork and field vision. I have confidence in myself that I can make plays against any team.”

You guys have a nice rotation going in the backfield. How does that rotation work among everyone?

“It works very well. Because we are so deep and talented, one of us will always be hot in any game. We feed off each other. We keep each other going and we compete with one another. I love the rotation. In the games, the back that is hot gets the carries.”

How are the coaches getting the ball into your hands within the scheme?

“They are feeding me the ball on inside zone plays, a lot of RPOs (run-pass option), and off-tackle, but mostly on inside zone and RPOs.”

You are getting great blocking from your offensive line, but you are also hitting the hole going full-speed taking advantage of any opening. The wheels are there, how fast are you?

“I run track, but I have not run a 40 yet.”

Which events in track?

“I ran the 100 and relays, mostly the relays.”

Looking at this season overall, which game has been your personal best?

“The Valencia game was my best. I had 185 yards off 12 carries. My blocking was really good too.”

What do you now feel are the strengths to your game?

“My patience is a strength. I am always ready to learn new things and I have a connection with my offensive line. I am a team player. Even if I don’t get the ball, I am pulling for my team to make plays. When I get the ball, I put my body on the line for my team.”

The team has won six consecutive, what do you guys need to do against Paraclete to make it seven?

“We gotta keep focused. We got a big win last week against Grace Brethren. We have to watch film and continue to work as a team. If we do that, we will come out on top. We cannot take them lightly.”

Jason, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the team luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Asp_photographer and Sierra Canyon Sport; Jason Jones in action (2019)