WATCH: Brandon Jones UA jersey presentation
Brandon Jones still can’t believe it happened.
Jones, the top-ranked safety prospect and the 27th overall player in the nation, couldn’t believe he stood in front of his family, friends, teammates and classmates at Nacogdoches High School Tuesday and received his Under Armour All-America Game jersey. Even though he’s one of the most coveted defensive recruits in the country and the third-ranked prospect in Texas, he never thought he would get a chance to play in the nation’s most prestigious high school football all-star game.
“When I first found out I was selected to play in this game I was so surprised, but then again very thankful I was getting this opportunity,” Jones, who is 6-foot and 193 pounds, said. “I think about it all the time and it still blows my mind to know I've been chosen to play in this game. It's a true honor.”
But to those who are around Jones every day at Nacogdoches, the recognition didn’t come as a major surprise. That’s because Jones has received about every type of honor you can get, including being selected as a high school All-American and earning all-state and all-district awards.
“It’s an honor to get to coach a player that is as talented as Brandon,” Nacogdoches coach Bobby Reyes said. “He has that special something only the best of the best have. He can impact a game in so many different ways.”
While other recruits are rushing to make decisions, Jones has taken his time with the recruiting process. He released a top six of Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M in August, but is still looking at other teams outside of that group. Jones is scheduled to take an official visit to Ole Miss on Nov. 20 and is working on other official visit dates, but will likely take unofficial visits to TCU, Baylor, Texas and Texas A&M before the end of the football season.
Six questions with Brandon Jones
Who is the best player to have played in UA Game?
“To me the best player that's played in the UA Game would have to be Julio Jones. He was amazing in the game and has turned out to be one of the best receivers and best players in the NFL.”
What players are you looking forward to competing with or against at the UA Game?
“Everybody there will be the top athletes in the nation, so I'm just looking forward to see where I stand and fit with those guys and hopefully can represent my city.”
What was your earliest football memory?
“My earliest football memory was playing my first year when I was 6 and I had no idea what position I wanted to play I just wanted to score touchdowns.”
Which football player did you watch as a kid?
“Growing up as a kid I played running back in city league and loved watching Reggie Bush. He was probably my favorite player growing up.”
If you could challenge any pro athlete in their sport, who would it be?
“I would have to say Usain Bolt, because he's the fastest man in the world and would love to see how bad he beats me.”
What is your jersey number, and why do you wear that number?
“My jersey number is 19. I got this number freshmen year when I moved up to varsity because I wore 18 through middle school but that jersey was taken and 19 was the closest to it.”
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
“It's not a huge problem, but I'm kind of scared of birds. I mean they just aren't my favorite and ever since the peacocks started walking freely around the zoo I just never been a big fan.”