Interview: 4-Star 2019 RB Austin Jones Talks Top 5 Schools and Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The college football world is well-aware of 2019 running back Austin Jones. The four-star recruit broke onto the scene as a freshman rushing for 1,370 yards off 254 totes with 12 touchdowns and bookended his career thus far in 2017 with 1,967 rush yards off 322 carries with 27 more trips into the end zone. The Bishop O’Dowd High School standout has earned first team all-everything, a four-star recruiting status, and 28 scholarship offers to date. Ahead of a big senior season, the 5-10, 198-pound, game changer announced his Top 5 schools (June 11) narrowing a list of fantastic programs down to Oregon, UCLA, Stanford, Cal, and Utah.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the Oakland area product to learn more about his offseason workouts and how he narrowed down his list of offers to just five schools.
*Jones’ offer list: Oregon, UCLA, Stanford, Utah, Cal, Notre Dame, Missouri, Princeton, Oregon State, Colorado, Texas State, San Jose State, Arizona State, Northwestern, Penn State, Boise State, Hawaii, Nebraska, Washington State, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and Washington
Interview
Austin, how did track season end up for you?
“Good. We went to the Northern California section.”
What were some of your highlights or best performances from your track season?
“I PR-ed (personal record) at 11-something in the 100 and PR-ed in the 200.”
Which events did you end up competing in this season?
“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”
How did spring practices with the Dragons go on the field?
“Good. Everyone is getting acclimated on both sides of the ball. We are getting the young guys up to speed.”
Did the coaching staff add any new wrinkles for you on offense during your senior year?
“As of right now, I am not sure. We are still trying to get our starters set.”
Where have you seen the biggest gains in your skillset this offseason?
“Mainly the biggest jump has been my strength and speed.”
Which schools came by Bishop O’Dowd to see you in-person or to watch you in practice this offseason?
“Cal, Utah – my whole top five, LSU, Washington, Notre Dame, Oregon State, Washington State, San Diego State, Utah State, Wyoming, and Holy Cross.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 28 offers.”
Have you unofficially visited any schools this spring or in the early part of the summer?
“No.”
You recently dropped your Top 5, what were some of the criteria to come up with your top schools?
“Basically, my major, schools that I communicated with a lot – my position and the head coach. It was really about football and academics.”
Which schools did you list?
“Oregon, UCLA, Stanford, Cal, and Utah.”
If another school comes in hard, are you still open to the recruiting process?
“It all depends on how hard they come. I like my Top 5. It would depend on how much communication they have with me… I think I am sticking with my Top 5.”
When you pick the school of your choice, what will have separated said school from the others?
“Communication and my relationship with the coaches.”
Have you set an announcement date?
“No, sir.”
Is it safe to assume that the five schools listed, as of right now, will get your five official visits?
“Yes. Definitely.”
Austin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Austin Jones