Interview: 3-Star 2021 South Carolina WR JJ Jones Talks Upcoming Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Put James “JJ” Jones on the gridiron, he is just different. He is different than others, and in the best way possible. Listed at 6-3, 192-pounds, he might as well be 6-foot 6-inches given the way he plays the game. He is too strong and powerful for corners to jam at the line and as quick and fast as them too. The Myrtle Beach High School standout was again a match-up nightmare for 4A South Carolina squads racking up 707 receiving yards off 45 receptions with 15 touchdowns in 10 games helping the Seahawks to a Lower State Championship and a berth in the state championship game. His overall efforts during his junior season were widely acknowledged with first team All-Region, third team All-State, and first team Class of 2021 All-State honors. Additionally, 13 college programs have extended offers to one of South Carolina’s best.
In another RNG one-on-one, Jones and I cover his play on the field and the big recruiting visits on the schedule for this winter.
*Click link for November 2019 RNG interview with JJ Jones
Interview
JJ, it may not have ended 100 percent the way you wanted, but the Seahawks had an amazing 2019 season with a run to the state title game. What are you most proud of with your play and the play of your teammates during that run?
“We fought through adversity. It was a tough season with all the injuries we had; our quarterback was hurt in first playoff game then we had a sophomore starting. But we fought to the championship game. We did not seal the goal, hopefully we can next year.”
We spoke during the season about how prolific the offense was putting up 43 points per game on average and we talked about how you were being utilized within the scheme. Knowing all that, what do you now feel are the overall strengths to your game as a receiver?
“My play-making skills and being bigger than the defender. With my height and size, it is hard for defensive backs to guard someone as big as me.”
Which game during your junior year was your best performance?
“The Hartsville game in the playoffs for the lower state championship.”
What did you do well against Hartsville to make that your top performance?
“That was my second game back from injury. I performed well in both of the games against them. In the second one, it was close throughout. I made a few big plays against them. Winning the championship, that was great. It was even greater going off to state playing for another championship.”
What will you focus on this offseason with your skillset?
“I will work on my route running and being able to get off the line quicker. I will work on my technique to become better overall.”
Are you competing at any national camps this offseason?
“Yes. I am going to a Rivals camp and one of The Opening Regionals.”
Let’s get a quick update in on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Tennessee, Notre Dame, USC, Oregon, and Virginia Tech are showing interest.”
How many offers are on the table?
“16.”
Jones’ Offer Sheet: Coastal Carolina, Duke, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Louisville, North Carolina, Old Dominion, Penn State, Southern Miss, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, and West Virginia
Did you get a few here recently?
“Yes. I got two today and two yesterday.”
Which schools have offered over the last couple of days?
“Georgia Tech, Liberty, Appalachian State, Duke, and Arkansas have all offered over the past week.”
Nice. For when we talked last, you had taken visits to South Carolina, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Penn State, and North Carolina. Coming up, are you visiting any schools?
“I have three Junior Days I will be attending. On the 18th I am going to Tennessee, on the 25th I am going to North Carolina, and on Feb. 1 I will be at Notre Dame.”
That will be a lot of fun. When you receive an offer or a school starts showing interest, what research do you put into that school to learn more about the program?
“I look to see what it is like at that school. Education – that is big for me; I look at what they offer with their academics. I look mostly at non-football things. With this decision, it is not for four years, it is for 40.”
Any last words before we wrap the interview?
“I’d like to give a shout out to Darius Hough and Adam Randall. They are the most underrated players I have seen, and they are bigger than me. Hard not to see them.”
JJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Myrtle Beach High School; JJ Jones