SPTimes
8/24
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A.J. JONES
SCHOOL: Middleton
POSITION/SIZE: OLB/RB, 6-2, 192
PAST PERFORMANCE: The athletic Jones was his team's defensive leader last fall and earned second-team Class 4A all-state honors. With his size and nose for the ball, he has become among the state's most prized recruits.
ACADEMICS: 2.9 GPA, 1260 SAT.
OTHER SPORTS: Baseball, track
FAVORITE COLLEGES: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Ohio State, Southern California, Tennessee.
COACH'S COMMENT: "He's an athlete. He plays the game with the intensity and the speed it should be played with, and he enjoys playing." - Harry Hubbard
IN HIS OWN WORDS: "I like defense better because you get to hit somebody instead of getting hit. You have the ability to hit someone at any given time. I count on my speed a lot, but I got a lot stronger during the offseason and that should help."
Prep Sports.com
8/24
A.J. JONES, MIDDLETON RB/LB:
Jones, last season's Tampa Tribune defensive player of the year, is looking to follow up a junior year in which he led Hillsborough County in tackles (146) and sacks (16).
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior is the heart and soul of Middleton's ball-hawking defense. Jones is always around the ball and relies on his quickness off the line of scrimmage.
"This year our goal is definitely a state title," Jones said. "We're not going to settle for anything less. Last year, we had a bunch of athletes and we really didn't work all that hard. This year we're going to work real hard and go out there and win a lot of games."
By the end of last season, Jones had also established himself as Middleton's top rushing threat. He may also be seen at receiver this season.
Jones, who may play strong safety in college, has narrowed his schools to Florida, USC, LSU and Alabama.
Eduardo A. Encina