Breakout Camp Performance Helping Underdog RB Tony Jones Jr. Reach His Dreams

As loaded as the roster is at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, you would think that it would be impossible for a stud recruit to fly under the radar given the amount of eyeballs on one of the most powerful prep programs in the country. 

Yet, that seems to be the case for 3-star running back Tony Jones Jr.—who was one of the major cogs that helped power IMG to a 10-1 record in 2014.

With that in mind, Jones attacked the offseason with a mind-set of having something to prove on the camp circuit.

The 6’0”, 212-pounder was named the MVP of the running backs group at last month’s Adidas Georgia Showcase in Atlanta.

He followed that up with a great showing in the Orlando Nike Regional camp that resulted in him being one of eight prospects who earned an invite to The Opening—the nation’s premier camp held at the Nike headquarters in Oregon later in the summer.

In fact, per Scout’s Chad Simmons, Jones established himself as one of the top-five overall performers at the event.

“My mindset was that I had to prove myself at this camp,” Jones said. “I was the underdog, I guess. At least, that’s the way I was thinking. I just focused on getting better and I felt like I did really well.”

Although he's still a 3-star in 247Sports Composite Rankings, he was immediately bumped up to a 4-star in its regular site rankings, as noted by Josh Newberg of 247Sports.

Jones, who doubles as a standout baseball player at IMG, admits that the invitation to The Opening caught him off guard.

However, it was welcomed news and an event made all the more special because a pair of teammates—4-star tight end Isaac Nauta and 4-star defensive end Rahshaun Smith—joined him in netting the prestigious invitation to The Opening.

“It lets me know that my hard work has paid off,” Jones said. “It was great to know that our team has three players going from the first camp. We are the first school to do that. But, we’re going to have more.”

Former Alabama running back and current IMG Academy running backs coach Roy Upchurch said that Tony’s work ethic is part of what makes him a special back.

“Tony’s a very hard-working guy,” Upchurch said. “He wants it. He wants to be the best back in the country. He wants to be a big-time back in college. That’s what he’s working toward. He tries to elevate his game every time he touches the field. Even on the practice field, he tries to take his game to another level. When it’s time to perform, he’s going 100-percent all the time.”

According to MaxPreps, Jones ran for 771 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging nearly 12 yards per carry as a junior. His production was limited thanks to IMG using a trio of backs as opposed to one back carrying the load.

Former IMG head coach Chris Weinke, who recently left the school for an assistant coaching position with the St. Louis Rams, predicted his former star pupil’s breakout moment at the conclusion of last season.

“I’m sure he’s looking forward to finishing up strong and then going into spring and playing baseball,” Weinke said. “He’s been outstanding for us. We think he’s going to finish strong and then have a huge 2015. He’s a premier player and one of the best backs in the country.”

The interest is starting to pickup for Jones, who has 15 offers to date—with Kentucky, Miami, Ole Miss, South Carolina and South Florida among the schools that have tendered him.

Upchurch notes that he shares the backfield with two other talented backs in Jack Wegher and Tavin Birdow. However, he’s quick to let college coaches know that Tony can be a workhorse at the next level. 

“He can be the guy at your college,” Upchurch said. “He will do anything for you and anything you need him to do. He will run through a brick wall for you. As a coach, that’s everything you want in a running back. He won’t question or second guess any advice you give him.” 

Jones mentioned Notre Dame and Tennessee as schools he’s been in contact with recently, and both schools could be on the verge of offering him.

In particular, the Irish have an intriguing connection with Jones. Assistant head coach Mike Denbrock coached Tony’s father—Tony Jones Sr.—in college and during a stint in the Arena Football League.

If the younger Jones has his way, this new wave of interest from colleges is simply the beginning of his plans for 2015. 

“My goal is to not have to tell people what my offers are,” Jones said. “I want to be able to come up to people and have them already know my name.” 

With his spot now reserved at The Opening, Jones is well on his way into turning his doubters into believers.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani