Andrew Jones is a linebacker from Ehret High School in Marrero, La. The recent Memphis recruit stands at 6’1 and weighs in at just over 200 pounds. The 2021 recruit has an incredible first step and a nose for the ball, having 137 tackles and 42 TFLs in 2019. Jones wants to continue that trend upward in 2020. Jones has a 480 pound squat, a 225 pound bench, and 275 clean. He tells me he’s been clocked at a lighting quick 4.48 forty as well.
What age did you start playing football?
I was about four years old, I played for Woodmere rec.
Did you always play linebacker or did you play any other positions growing up?
I played center, and running back, and defensive end. I really didn’t start playing linebacker until high school.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played baseball, I pretty much played every position I could growing up playing baseball. I’m still playing baseball, and I pitch and play catcher.
Thinking back to last year, what were some major goals that you wanted to accomplish
Become the No. 1 linebacker in the country, help lead my team to the championship, and get at least one scholarship offer.
With your recent commitment, I know you accomplished at least one of those goals. What are you doing to achieve those other goals?
I just have to push myself harder. I’ve always kept in my mind that I am always the best at what I do. I’ve got to speak it into existence, that’s what I’ve got to do.
Who would you say are some of your biggest influences?
Ray Lewis, Sean Taylor, and my mom.
Ok, give me the break down, why Ray Lewis, why Sean Taylor, and why your mom?
Ray Lewis was the guy that made me really want to start playing football. My mom, because she was always putting us before herself. We never really struggled because of her. She struggled in making sure everybody else was good. I just want to make sure I can give back to her. I want to make sure that her hard work isn’t taken for granted. And Sean Taylor, he was just a big hitter, every day! That brought the different energy and hype for me to play football. The big hits, the interceptions, the touchdowns, and the crowd noise. It’s just a different type of feeling.
This next question I think I know the answer to, who would you say your favorite NFL player is?
Ray Lewis, without a doubt.
Going back to Sean Taylor, and getting hyped before a game. What do you think motivates you the most?
Really, all the big hits and the tackles and the emotions during football helps me a lot. To control my anger and channel my anger. Instead of expressing it outside I can express it on a football field, and it’s easier to vent. Rather than spazzing out all over the place and having a bad game, I can handle my business on the field, and have a positive outcome from me, channeling my anger out there.
On a scale of 1-10 what would your ideal performance number be on game day?
A nine, I say that because I know that I can play to a higher level. I can make tackles sideline to sideline. I can make big plays when big plays are needed. But, everyone’s work can always improve, nobody is perfect. If I were perfect, I don’t think I would be in high school right now. In my head, I feel like I do a great job on game day. I feel like I’m a 10 on game day, but there is always room for improvement. I know if I sit back and go watch film on any of my games and I made at least one mistake, that’s not perfect. I know I made a lot of mistakes, I can’t say I am a 10 on game day, because mistakes are going to happen. It’s a football game.
At the end of this year, what would you want your coaches and teammates to say about you?
That I was a leader, no, a great leader. That I was a hard worker, a great teammate, and quick learner. Pretty much all positives and no negatives.
