Jack Jones, a 6-4, 280 pound, RTI 4-star Vol commit from Murfreesboro, Tenn., caught up with us about his recruitment and his health. Jones injured his knee against rival Blackman in the first game of the season and hasn’t been able to play since, but he’s getting healthy and is ready to return to the field.
“I started practicing this week,” Jones told RTI. “I will most likely play this Friday. It’s been really tough for me [to be off the field] but it’s taught me how to be a better leader and it’s really helped me appreciate my high school football experience.”
Jones, as expected, has been following the Vols closely this season.
“I have been really excited about the amount of energy they bring to each game and I think they will have a major upset before the year is over,” he said.
He also spoke highly of teammate and fellow Vol commit Kyle Oliver. “He’s doing great! He’s really been working hard in practice! He’s hard to tackle once he gets the ball in his hands.”
When talk turned to the future, Jones again showed the kind of team-centric outlook Butch Jones preaches.
It’s no secret the Vol offensive line is struggling this year. Jones is projected to play either offensive tackle or offensive guard at Tennessee; yet, when asked if he think’s he’ll have a chance to play early, Jones showed that he’s the ultimate team player, saying “I’d love to get involved wherever the coaches need me.”
Since committing to Tennessee in May of 2013, he’s picked up offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, Georgia and a host of other programs. We asked Jack if any other coaches are still contacting him and how he’s handling that – his answer should put Vol fans at ease.
“Occasionally another coach will contact me but I’m sure to let them know that once you’re a Vol, you are a Vol for life.”
Jones visited campus for the Arkansas State game and plans to visit again when the Vols host Florida. He’s one of four O-line commits in the 2015 Vol recruiting class. You can read about the entire 2015 class here.
