Jones received a scholarship offer from Minnesota last year and is considered one of the top players in the state in the Class of 2014.
Jeffrey Jones, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound sophomore running back from Minneapolis Washburn who received a scholarship offer from Minnesota last year, is considered one of the top players in the state in the Class of 2014. The two-sport standout attended the Minnesota Comets Shootout this past weekend and talked to GopherHole.com about the latest on his recruitment
Jones rushed for 1415 yards on 142 carries and had 26 touchdowns. He shined in the postseason as he rushed 57 times for 529 yards and eight scores in three playoff contests. Jones gained over 100 yards on the ground in eight of ten games as the Millers finished 7-3 as they lost in the Section 2AAA finals for the second year, falling to Holy Family Catholic 49-31.
Jones helped lead the Millers football team to a 7-4 mark, losing in the Class AAA, Section 2 finals to LeSueur-Henderson 60-32 as a freshman. Jones rushed 128 times for 773 and eight touchdowns. Jones had 100 or more rushing yards in four games.
Jones is also an outstanding basketball player. He came off the bench for the Millers, who finished second in the Class AAA state tournament.
Gopher Hole: What is the latest on your football recruitment?
Jeffrey Jones: I have been going to the Minnesota spring practices. I haven’t heard anything (new) really. I just sent out my highlights to Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa State and Michigan State. I haven’t heard anything back, but I am really interested in Minnesota right now. I think that is where I am going to go, overall. They have shown the most interest. It is my hometown. I just want to help them get better.
Gopher Hole: Do you even think that you might commit soon?
Jeffrey Jones: Yes. Really soon.
Gopher Hole: Like how soon?
Jeffrey Jones: You’ll find out. (Laughing)
Gopher Hole: Are you going to go to any football camps then or would you maybe just go to the Gopher camp?
Jeffrey Jones: I am going to go to a few camps and see what they think about me and how I can get better as a running back and what I need to get ready for the next level.
Gopher Hole: What things have been you working on to improve yourself as a running back?
Jeffrey Jones: I have been trying to work on holding the ball. I have been getting my footwork better in and out of the cones and making myself skinny in the hole more and try to keep my pad level up.
Gopher Hole: Did you get a chance to go to many Junior Days?
Jeffrey Jones: No. I haven’t really been to any Junior Days. I got invited to a few, but they were kind of far away and me and my Coach couldn’t come up with the money in time to get there.
Gopher Hole: What do you like about the Gophers?
Jeffrey Jones: I just like the way they make me feel like family there. They always invite me to come down and watch practice. The coaches are always keeping in touch with my Coach and asking about me, so I just think that they are interested and right now, I think that they would take the most care of me.
Gopher Hole: Are you going to the spring game or are you in an AAU Tournament this weekend?
Jeffrey Jones: Unfortunately, we are in a basketball tournament (the Best Buy Spring Classic). I would like to go.
Gopher Hole: What are the expectations for Washburn for next season?
Jeffrey Jones: Nothing short of state. We have seniors coming back. We had a great junior class last year, who are seniors this upcoming year. They are working harder than they ever have been, so they look like they are going to lead us to the state championship.