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Wharton's Jones Following A Different Path

Tribune photo by Kelvin Ma

Jairus Jones, the son of former Detroit Lions and University of Florida running back James Jones, has made a name for himself as a free safety for Wharton.

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By NICK WILLIAMS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 22, 2008

Updated: 07/22/2008 12:15 am

TAMPA - Jairus Jones tried his best to be like his father.

The son of former Detroit Lions and University of Florida running back James Jones, Jairus played running back all through youth football, emulating his dad's moves on the field.

Although second in line to inherit the football gene, Jairus was sure he would be the next great running back in the Jones family. His older brother, former Wharton High star Josh Jones, played linebacker.

When Jairus arrived at Wharton as a freshman, however, the Wildcats had already secured their go-to running back.

Already an assistant coach at Wharton, James convinced Jairus he'd make a bigger impact at strong safety.

Evidently, father knew best.

"I think that was the best move for me," Jairus said.

A rising senior at Wharton, Jones is one of the most sought-after recruits in the state. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound strong safety is a three-year varsity starter, three-time all-county pick and two-time all-state selection.

Last season he recorded 89 tackles and one interception. As a result of not having a primary tailback, Wharton coach David Mitchell turned to Jones for his experience in the backfield, and he delivered with 332 yards and three touchdowns on 60 carries. He also had 14 receptions for 300 yards and two TDs and accumulated more than 400 yards as a punt/kick returner.

"He has a lot of natural talent," Mitchell said. "His reaction, speed and quickness puts him on the level he's on right now. Jairus may be the most highly recruited player I've had."

Defending national champion LSU has offered a scholarship, along with Michigan State, Iowa and Nebraska. Jones said some of the smaller schools that have offered, like Charleston Southern, are recruiting him as a running back as well.

Jones received his first scholarship offer just after his junior season from Elon, which recruited and signed his brother Josh. But once spring practice began and other prospects from Hillsborough County started to pick up the big-time offers, Jones wasn't receiving any.

"I was getting worried," he said. "The junior year I had wasn't great. I didn't think my highlight tape was good enough for colleges to want me."

His confidence slumped further when he talked to other prospects at summer camps.

"I go to camps and guys would say they have 12-15 offers," he said. "I wanted to know when I would get mine."

He's eagerly awaiting an offer from his father's alma mater.

"I'm waiting on that Florida offer," he said.

James Jones accepted a head coaching position at Pompano Beach Ely High in 2007. He stepped down this past season and is considering returning to Tampa to coach at Wharton. If he doesn't, Jairus said his father plans to drive back to Tampa for as many games as possible.

Like last year, Mitchell plans to use Jones in multiple positions. He also expects him to step into more of a leadership role.

"You can put him anywhere you want to," he said. "He plays offense, defense and special teams. He's one of those quiet leaders. He leads by example."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848 or nwilliams@tampatrib.com.

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