This weekend’s Junior Day netted another recruit, with Notre Dame’s coaching staff accepting the commitment of Florida running back Tony Jones Jr. The IMG Academy runner was in South Bend this weekend, and is the first running back in the fold for the Irish in the 2016 class.
With offers from Florida, Miami, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and South Carolina, Jones has some impressive early offers before he hits the combine and camp circuit. At 210 pounds already, Jones fits the mold of a potential power back, a welcome addition to a depth chart.
Jones had early interest in Notre Dame especially after earning an offer, and took in campus with his parents. The first big fish landed by new running back coach Autry Denson, Jones saw all he needed this weekend, according to Blue and Gold’s Andrew Ivins.
“It just felt right to me and my family. I like the tradition, the coaching, the players, it felt right,” Jones told B&G. “I committed to Autry Denson and head coach Brian Kelly at the same time. They’re very excited.”
'16 IMG Academy RB Tony Jones Jr. (@TonnJoness) and his family saw it all today at #NotreDame. #Irish (Free) pic.twitter.com/LP7JAVrkvd
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 22, 2015
Jones has started to see his star rise, impressing at an Orlando event last month. Scout.com views him as the top running back in Florida, while he’s a three-star prospect according to Rivals and isn’t ranked by 247 Sports yet.
Jones joins Julian Love and John Shannon as commitments from the weekend, joining Tommy Kraemer to make four commits in the 2016 class.
Here’s a highlight reel from Jones’ junior season.
***