He’s a freight train. When Elijah Jones, a power-back within the 2025 class, is running downfield, get out the way.
Jones has three distinct elements of his game that make him so difficult to bring down. He’s 6’2, 230 pounds with a 4.67 40-yard dash; Jones uses his size to force tacklers off him. He’s a hard-nosed, violent runner. When met with a wall, he’ll tear it down. He has strong hands to throw defenders off him, punishing defenders for weak tackles. Jones also knows how to carry his momentum through a defender, whenever running them over, to prevent himself from losing balance and speed.
The second element is his shimmy. At the point of contact, Jones knows how to move his body slightly, causing the defender to have bad form when tackling or slip off of Jones entirely. Running backs like Kendre Miller, Alvin Kamara and Tyjae Spears all have this ability, and it’s been a major part of their success as a ball-carrier. However, none of those guys have the frame Jones has. To see someone his size possess that trait makes him a rare prospect.
Jones having finesse in his game, when his frame is that of a traditional power-back, makes him all the more lethal. He’s able to conserve his momentum moving through the line, or even the second level, the use his built up speed to bulldoze the highest defender. It’s also important for him as a running back, as his efficient running lessens the number of carries he has, minimizing the amount of contact his body absorbs, and drastically increases his longevity.
Finally, the third major part of his game is his vision and footwork. Jones is a strategic runner, something you don’t see often from people his size. He’s calm as he waits for holes to open, and can explode through them once they do. He’s able to read a defenders movements and use that information to determine his next move, whether it be a cut, spin, stiff-arm or just flat out running over the man.
Jones averages 8.58 yards per carry, a major part of that is his technique and knowing when to execute moves. His footwork is also great. When he makes contact with a defender, he keeps his feet churching, forcing himself upfield. He hardly has sloppy feet; if he’s going to move, it’ll be with a purpose.
The following are a couple other important notes about Jones. His size, awareness and hands makes him very advantageous as a pass blocker. He has heavy hands and reads defenses well, giving him the potential to be an outstanding pass-blocker. Jones is also able to intake game information extraordinarily well, having a dozen plays where he runs as if he knew exactly what the defense was going to do. This is also important in terms of playbook comprehension, as he has a strong understanding of how his offensive line will move, and how long it will take for each hole to open and close.
Jones is a member of the 2025 class. He’s an extraordinary prospect, demonstrating good field vision, power and finesse when running. He is a well-rounded, coachable player, with plenty of potential as a pass blocker, providing an instant impact to whatever college should offer him. His senior campaign is going to be a nonstop highlight reel all major universities will want to watch.
Below is a QnA between Jones and myself:
What is your height and weight?
“I am 6’2” tall and weigh 230 pounds.”
What are some things you have overcame in life?
“I had to overcome my mind. I would doubt myself when I was younger. I did not have the self-esteem and the healthy cockiness that is needed to play football. Once I changed my mindset, I realized I was a force to be reckoned with on the field.”
What are your biggest accomplishments?
“I was the starting running back on the history-making team that won the 6A State Championship with an undefeated season at West Jones High School. I was also picked for 2nd team All-State, State Farm Player of the Week, and was named Player of the Week for WDAM. I did all of that but my biggest accomplishment is I remained humbled through it all and thankful that God gave me this talent to do what I love.”
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
“I like Derrick Henry. He is a big, strong running back like me. But honestly, I don’t like comparing myself to anyone. I want people to compare themselves to me one day.”
What are your plans once you’re done with football and why?
“Football is a lifelong passion for me. When I finish playing, I intend to transition into coaching to remain actively involved in the game, because football is part of my life and I will never leave it.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is 3.1.”
What do you like about the sport of football and how is it significant to you?
“I like football because it teaches me about life and how to overcome challenges. Life is not always easy, and there will be people, places, and problems that will try to bring you down. However, as long as you have good people around you (like my O-line, family, and friends), you can achieve any goal.”
What is an interesting fact about you outside of football?
“My nickname is “Tribal Chief,” and I got it from my favorite wrestler Roman Reigns. Many don’t know, but I am a big WWE fan, and I never miss an episode.”
What are your stats throughout your football career?
“I am a junior, and this year alone, I ran for 1475 yards with 172 carries and 18 touchdowns.”
What is your 40-yard dash speed, Broad jump, Vertical jump, Shuttle time, etc.?
“My 40-yard dash speed is 4.67 seconds, shuttle time is 4.43 seconds, and broad jump is 8.8 feet.”
What is your dream school to play for in college?
“I would love to play for the University of Ole Miss.”
What are your current football goals?
“My current goals are to repeat the success of last season, become recognized by top colleges in the U.S., and never miss a day of workout.”
What’s something you’re working to improve?
“I am working on speed, becoming more explosive, leaning up, improving my footwork, so that I can become one of the best running backs in the nation.”
What is a strength you have in the game?
“I am big, strong, agile, and very physical running back. It takes more than one person to bring me down, and this is a big strength for me on the field.”
What’s your favorite activity outside of football?
“My favorite activity is playing basketball. Since I’m a student of the game of football, I also enjoy watching football clips to become even better. Football takes up the bulk of my day, even on bad days.”
What has football taught you?
“Football has taught me to be confident in myself. When I first started playing football, I was shy and stayed in the background. I didn’t like the attention, but now I welcome it. Football has given me the strength to become a strong, confident man. Football also has taught me the importance of family. It is great to have the right guidance from my coaches and family and the support of my teammates and friends. I love football; it is everything to me, and I’m so thankful that God has blessed me to excel in this sport. I look forward to going to the next level, and I am eager to showcase my talent at the Gridiron Football Bowl Game if I’m chosen.”
