Diamond In The Rough: Leland Jones

As a defensive coach, I enjoy it when I find guys who know how to turn on the “pain” in the game and just smash people in the mouth. Lets be honest here, your not trying out for the church choir, so the nice guy does finish last in football. I had Leland Jones in my office and he just has it. He is a gentleman in around people, but during the 60 min game we all love, he is a monster. Just watch his highlight film of his sophomore season below.

Leland is only 16 years old and going into his Junior year. He has a 3.1 GPA on a 4.0 scale. He is 6’0″ tall and weighs 205 lbs. He works out with Super Bowl Champ, Marlon Favorite along with several of his classmates. Marlon timed him in the 40 yard dash at a blazing 4.58. In high school he is the Swiss Army Knife on the field. He plays defensive end, linebacker, and bandit (hi-bred safety). “I really appreciate my defensive coach Andy Martin for allowing me move around in the defense and play multiple positions,”said Leland “I have played end since I was 5 and when I got to high school coach has used me in several different roles.”

Here is Leland’s spring game film where you can see him play everything from the line to backing up in coverage.

Leland has been playing football since he was five years old. He started playing with the North Street Admirals in Baton Rouge. Leland was also a Junior Olympic runner in the 400 meter. “It was just an honor to just be able to qualify to run in the Junior Olympics,” said Troy Jones (Leland’s dad). Leland has also played basketball up until this past year. While in 8th grade, Leland was on the team that set records and is the only team to ever go undefeated. This year Leland has decided to quit basketball and run the 400 in track so he could improve his football skills.

This past season, Leland started on defense as a sophomore and tallied 57 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, and 2 blocked passes. Since school has let out, Leland has been busy preparing for this next season. He has already gone to several camps this summer such as University of Louisiana, University of Houston, and West Florida. He has also has 2 unofficial visits to Rice and Samford. We also works out with Conquer Sports Professionals.

Leland said that he wants to attend Florida State because of their defense. “They play a Buck position and that’s what I play in high school.” He also likes the atmosphere at Florida Sate. “However, if the opportunity arose to play college ball, I will go where I feel that I will be best suited to play. I could see myself playing just about anywhere,” said Leland. “It would be fun to play with my friends Doryan Haris and Donald Berniard Jr in college. I want to major in petroleum engineering because after football I want to work out in the oil fields. I do not like being inside in an office.”

Whichever school wins the lottery and is able to sign the three young men (Leland Jones, Doryan Harris, and Donald Berniard Jr) from LSU’s Lab school will have the makings of something special. All three young men could be a difference maker on any team.