Jones Jr. talks Vols offer

When his coaches at Friendship Christian School called him into their offices Friday morning, Mike Jones Jr. didn't know quite what to expect after hearing that Tennessee linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen had been by the school.

Then, Jones Jr. found out the Vols had extended a verbal scholarship offer to the rising 2018 prospect. His reaction?

"It's indescribable; I was wordless," Jones Jr. told VolQuest.com. "I took off running and jumping. It might be the happiest day of my life."

Jones Jr. played quarterback and even some defensive end this past season at Friendship Christian, starting as a freshman and amassing more than 1,100 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He said also added two interceptions on defense but wasn't quite certain of his final tackles.

However, already 6-foot, 190 pounds, Jones Jr. is preparing to play more in the secondary moving forward --- and embracing the challenge by working with Nashville-based National Playmakers Academy, the training group headed by Buck Fitzgerald and Cedric Wilson that's sent approximately 25 players to Football Bowls Subdivision schools in the past five years.

"I've been working with those guys since December, and I can't wait to work to become the best," said Jones Jr., who noted he had been invited and likely would attend Tennessee's Feb. 21 junior day. "It's a whole bunch of motivation [to see the other guys with offers preparing for college at the workouts]. When I see that, I know I can be that one day. It really makes me want to work harder."

While the Vols are the first to offer Jones Jr., Purdue, Cincinnati, Duke, Ole Miss and Florida are among the schools already showing some interest.