Lancaster defensive end picking up interest
Since the open period started a few weeks ago, many of the Tech coaches could be found in the talent-rich Dallas/Fort Worth area. In fact, ne of the recent stops made by DFW area recruiter and outside receiver coach Emmett Jones was to Lancaster High School.
Jones was at school checking in on a few wide receiver prospects but wanted to get a better look at defensive lineman Noah Jones as well. Coach Jones made it clear to the defensive end prospect that he likes what he has seen so far and wants to start recruiting him.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The six-foot-four, 260-pound prospect plays up and down the defensive line for Lancaster, making appearances at both defensive end and defensive tackle last season. Jones’ versatility is reflected in his recruitment as schools are talking about the possibility of him playing outside linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle in college.
Spring ball is currently in progress at Lancaster, and Jones has had various schools stop by to see him including Texas Tech, Tulane, Tulsa, and Indiana. Oklahoma State, Louisiana Tech, and New Mexico have also talked about making trips out to see him.
The three-star prospect holds nine offers currently, and due to the increased recruiting interest, is already planning several trips across the country. Visits to North Texas, Tulsa, New Mexico, Colorado, Colorado State and Texas Tech are all in the works currently. Jones and teammate Cartrell Thomas—who holds a Tech offer—could potentially visit Lubbock together.
IN HIS WORDS
On meeting Coach Jones and his interest in Tech:
“He was asking me about my grades and how my transcript looked. He said he was going to go talk to the other coaches about coming out and seeing me because he really liked my size. He asked me if I liked Texas Tech, and I said yes sir. I’ve liked them since I was little.”
“I really like the head coach, Kliff Kingsbury, I know how his philosophy is and how he takes care of the players. I really like the tradition in Lubbock, they have a fighting and winning tradition. Their education is also big for me. If I had a chance to go there, God Bless, I would know that I had a good education and a high paying job waiting for me after I graduate.”
On developing a relationship with Coach Jones:
“I think he is a great guy and actually cares about his players and wants them to be successful outside of football. I know he cares about education because of the way he asked about my grades, he cares about that first point blank.”
On a “package deal” with Cartrell Thomas:
“We are very close. Cartrell and I have already talked about Texas Tech, and he said that would be great if we both had the same offer because then they would be in heavy consideration. I think me and him might team up.”
OUR REACTION
Jones' size really makes him stick out among the crowd and made him a can't miss prospect when Emmett Jones was in town checking on Cartrell Thomas and Omar Manning. Even with only one visit--and a brief conversation with Emmett Jones--the Red Raiders already sit in good shape with the recruit and a visit is in the works. If a defensive staff member also jumps into the mix, Tech has a legitimate shot with the three-star lineman.