Jack Jones to USC: Trojans Land 5-Star CB Prospect

Few players in the 2016 recruiting class are as versatile as Jack Jones. The 5-star cornerback announced he will be going to USC in a video with Snoop Dogg, per Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times:

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Jones ranks No. 22 overall and is the third-best cornerback in the country. The product of Long Beach Polytechnic High School is also No. 4 in the state of California.

The Jackrabbits have seemingly never had a shortage of top-shelf talent funneling through the school over the years. DeSean Jackson, Marcedes Lewis and Willie McGinest are among Long Beach Poly's notable alumni, and every year, it boasts a bevy of elite recruits.

Jones credited two former Jackrabbits—JuJu Smith and Iman Marshall, both of whom are members of the USC Trojans—for really helping his development on the field, per ESPN.com's Jeremy Crabtree:

"

Biggie (Marshall) and JuJu have been a big help to me. JuJu has helped me out at receiver, and Biggie mostly helps me out at DB. He still helps me every day. Before every camp or even just practicing on our own, he tutors me, tells me what to do, what I need to improve on, what I'm doing right and things like that. Biggie, that's my guy. I look up to both him and JuJu. They really set the bar high for me, and I'm just happy I've been able to try and carry on that Poly tradition.

"

Marshall's and Smith's tutelage has obviously helped, as Jones is among the cream of the crop in 2016.

Jones is coming off an impressive 2015 campaign. According to 247Sports, he caught 42 passes for 837 yards and 11 touchdowns while also recording an interception. He showcased his talent at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and in the practices leading up to the game.

Rivals.com shared a video of Jones breaking up two passes during practice on Jan. 4:

247Sports' Ryan Bartow also highlighted Jones' impressive footwork:

"

4-star ATH Jack Jones from Long Beach/Poly at US Army All-American Bowl practice https://t.co/ivxKtXnwmG

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) January 4, 2016"

Size (5'11", 164 lbs) is one of the immediate concerns for Jones. He can't do anything to get any taller, but as long as he adds some bulk, bigger receivers will have a harder time brushing him aside in man coverage at the line of scrimmage. In addition, his leaping ability will allow him to compete with anybody on jump balls.

Jones has great closing speed, so if he does lose a step on his man, he can quickly make up ground if the wideout is forced to slow down for even a split second.

Ideally, Jones will be allowed to take more of a back seat in his first season at USC. While his coverage skills are good enough for high-level FBS football, he could struggle until he becomes a bit stronger.

Using him occasionally as a nickelback or lining him up in dime packages will provide him with experience and also help build his confidence while simultaneously covering his flaws.

Barring a major injury, Jones should become one of the more polished cornerbacks in the country.