Kansas: Interview with Washburn Rural 2016 Linebacker Will Jones

Written by Charlie Beuttel

The Blues of Washburn Rural (Topeka, KS) started the 2015 season on a roll winning their first four games by an average of 20 points per contest. Unfortunately, due to their tough district schedule, they fell in four of their final five games and barely missed the playoffs.

The one area of the team that played well all season was their lockdown defense which only let opponents score on average 19 points a game. The leader of the defense this season was senior linebacker Will Jones, who also spent time at defensive end.

The 6’2”, 220 pound, workhorse finished his season with 101 total tackles including 21 for a loss and 15 sacks. Jones also scored two defensive touchdowns returning a blocked punt 30 yards for a touchdown and also scored when he recovered a fumble and ran it in from 20 yards out.

Jones has one scholarship offer from Drake University but has also talked to Eastern Kentucky, Portland State, Missouri State, and Northern Iowa.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Will to talk about his career at Washburn Rural and his recruiting process.

Interview

What are your thoughts on the 2015 season?

“We had a 2-7 last year and I’m proud how we turned it around and had a nice overall season. We started 4-0 but missed playoffs by a hair. We had the strongest district schedule.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I think it was a really good season. Coming off my junior I still had some questions about my ability but I stepped up. I showed I’m a consistent playmaker.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“My passing rush ability, open field tackling, pressuring the quarterback, and I make big plays happen.”

What is your most memorable moment?

“Our second game against Hayden, in our second defensive drive I sacked the quarterback and my teammate ran the ball back and beat them for the first time in 18 years.”

Did you earn any individual honors?

“All-City First-Team, All-City Top 11, I led the league and city in sacks, and I was also All-State 6A Honorable Mention.”

What college camps did you attend this past summer?

“Iowa State, Kansas, Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri, Drake and a few others.”

Are you receiving any interest from any colleges?

“I talked to Eastern Kentucky, Portland State, Missouri State, and Northern Iowa.”

Do you have any offers?

“Drake.”

Have you gone on any visits?

“Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Central Missouri and Drake but I’m planning on taking an official visit later on to Drake.”

What do you like most about playing football?

“I really like playing, the adrenalin rush, and hanging with my friends but the biggest thing is the team effort and great things can happen if everyone does their job right.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad, William Jones Sr. He never played sports in high school but he started out as my coach and taught me how to tackle. He’s always taught me what to do.”

What is your current GPA?

“3.7.”

What do you plan on studying in college?

“I’d like to get my degree in business finance and work in the human resources someday.”

Photo credit: cjonline.com; Will Jones walks into the end zone for a touchdown after blocking a punt

Photo credit: capital journal; Capital Journal’s 2015 All-City Top 11, No. 45 Will Jones.