WHAT MATTHEW JONES' COMMITMENT MEANS FOR OHIO STATE'S 2018 RECRUITING CLASS
Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
Ohio State landed a commitment this afternoon from the most versatile lineman in the country when Brooklyn, New York, Erasmus Hall four-star Matthew Jones pledged his services to the Buckeyes following a one-day camp on Saturday.
Let's take a look at what Jones — the No. 53 prospect overall in the Class of 2018 — brings to Columbus.
ON THE FIELD
You wouldn't be able to tell based on his off-the-field demeanor, but the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Jones is an aggressive, punishing athlete with the desire to dominate his opponent through the whistle. Just throw on the tape and you'll see as much.
No matter the side of the ball on which he lines up, Jones fires off the ball and uses his upper body strength to drive the opponent backward.
On offense, he clears defenders out of the way entirely and reaches the second level with ease when asked to pull in the run game. He's also patient and uses his leverage well in pass protection.
Jones plays offensive guard with the mindset of an elite defensive tackle, trying to be as disruptive as possible. He can sometimes rely too much on his strength — which is very easy to do when you can leg-press more than 800 pounds — and his technique suffers a bit as a result.
A three-year starter, Jones was named first-team all-state following a junior season in which he helped the Dutchmen to their third-consecutive New York Public Schools Athletic League championship game.
IN THE CLASS
Jones becomes the 14th member of Ohio State's Supreme '18 recruiting class, joining five-star defensive tackle Taron Vincent, five-star quarterback Emory Jones, five-star defensive end Brenton Cox, four-star offensive tackle Max Wray, four-star defensive end Andrew Chatfield, four-star running backs Jaelen Gill and Brian Snead, four-star linebackers Dallas Gant and Teradja Mitchell, four-star cornerback Sevyn Banks, four-star safeties Josh Proctor and Jaiden Woodbey and three-star running back Master Teague III.
Though most recruiting services have him pegged as a defensive tackle — and a damn good one at that — the position is not one of great need, especially with Vincent already in the fold. Cleveland Heights four-star end Tyreke Smith could potentially move inside and Florida three-star Nesta Silvera is a candidate to flip from Miami, too, making it all the more likely Jones' first look comes at center or guard with the Buckeyes.
Regardless, figuring out where a talent like Jones will play in college is a good problem to have.
A lot of that will depend upon who else Ohio State brings in this cycle, though, as the staff would like to land as many as three guards with the idea of moving one to center. The Buckeyes are among the favorites for IMG Academy four-star Verdis Brown and Pennsylvania four-star guard Fredrick "Juice" Scruggs, and I'd be willing to bet all three end up in Columbus.
Entire article:
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...t-means-for-ohio-states-2018-recruiting-class
What does Matthew Jones bring to Ohio State?
One of the most versatile lineman in America is headed to Columbus.
In every recruiting class, there are a number of players that seem like locks to end up at a specific school. We’ve seen it in Ohio State’s 2018 class already, with Jaelen Gill, Taron Vincent, and Dallas Gant all committing to Ohio State after months of speculation. Matthew Jones had been in the same situation for the better part of his recruitment, and at Ohio State’s star studded camp today, he finally pulled the trigger.
Jones has been on commitment watch for months, and the prevailing thought was that if he didn’t commit at today’s camp, he would at the annual Friday Night Lights camp next month. Jones had no reason to wait past today, and just minutes ago, he made his commitment to the Buckeyes official.
Jones has been one of the top targets for Ohio State ever since they offered back in May of 2016. With Greg Studrawa and Greg Schiano both recruiting him very heavily, Ohio State had been in the driver’s seat for months. Let’s take a look at what Jones brings to the table, and why he’s been such a hot commodity in this recruiting cycle.
ON THE FIELD
Jones is unique, because he’s one of those rare players that could excel playing a number of positions at a school like Ohio State. He plays on both sides of the line for his high school, Erasmus Hall, and truly has the talent to play offense or defense at the next level. While Larry Johnson and Greg Schiano would certainly love to have him at defensive tackle, he’ll likely start his career in Columbus at offensive guard or center, because of the depth Ohio State currently has on the defensive line.
Jones spends most of his time at tackle right now, but has the perfect size and athleticism to move inside to guard or center. True centers are few and far between coming out of high school, so finding a player with the size of Jones (6-foot-4, 315) and the mobility needed to play center is a big deal for any school.
Entire article:
https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2...ate-recruiting-mathew-jones-breakdown-profile
