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UK interested in Clark County's Jones

August 16, 2006|KEITH TAYLOR

WINCHESTER - Tristan Jones is no longer under the radar screen.

Jones, a senior at George Rogers Clark High School, has confirmed that University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks and his staff were "heavily" involved in the recruiting process.

Although Jones, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior who doubles as a defensive end and a tight end, said the Wildcats have yet to make a scholarship offer, he said the coaching staff is keeping track of his progress.

"They're looking at me real hard," Jones said.

Jones caught the eye of the coaching staff during a one-day visit to a camp in June.

"I just played my hardest," he said. "I did a couple of drills and had a couple of coaches by my side the whole time. One of their top recruits came in and they put me one-on-one against him and I beat him (on the line of scrimmage) every time. I think that's what put me at the top on their list."

Some other state schools also have shown interest in Jones, including Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University.

He added that Louisville is sending "letters," but hasn't shown as much interest as Kentucky at this point. Jones admitted that he "hopes" that Louisville jumps on the bandwagon for his services, but likes the idea of possibly playing in the Southeastern Conference as well.

"If it came down to Kentucky and Louisville, I probably couldn't pick between them," he said. "I would give the edge to the Cats, just because it's the SEC. That would give (UK) a slight edge."

Coach not surprised about interest in Jones

Clark coach Paul Columbia said he wasn't surprised by the Cats' interest. Columbia said his size makes him a legitimate Division I prospect.

"He's got such good technique," the Clark coach said. "He's got good containment and he keeps people inside of him (on the line of scrimmage). He's a good athlete and he's got some muscle on him. He has a good attitude about football and he's aggressive. He wants to do well and he pays attention to detail."

Jones was one of the top players in the 10th Region last season in basketball and also is one of the top discus throwers in the state. A gifted singer, Jones was all-state in chorus last year.

Jones helped lead the Cardinals to the finals of the 11th Region Tournament at Mason County. In a 62-59 loss to the Royals in the regional finals, Jones scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

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