Notre Dame Legend Jerome Bettis Imparts Wisdom to 4-Star RB Tony Jones Jr.

Tony Jones Jr. didn't have to show up at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp.

He could have chosen to stay home and prepare for The Opening next month, but he told his father, Tony Sr., that he felt like competing against some of the nation's best this weekend. 

The 4-star running back and Notre Dame pledge and U.S Army All-American's desire to attend at the last minute paid off when he met former Irish legend and recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jerome Bettis.

For the second consecutive year, Bettis, a Detroit native, was in town to speak with the throng of recruits during the camp's leadership sessions. 

"It was a great feeling to meet one of the greats to play at Notre Dame," Jones told Bleacher Report. "It was cool to hear all of the things he spoke about in his time at the school. 

Jones, who is also a standout baseball player at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, committed to Irish head coach Brian Kelly back in March while on a visit to South Bend.

On that visit, Tony Sr. noted that his son paid close attention when he saw Bettis' portion of the highlight reel the staff showed him. 

"I think it is because he was a big back with great feet," the younger Jones remarked on his affinity for The Bus. "He would run over people but he would shake them too. He got extra yardage after contact all the time. He was a true workhorse and I definitely admire that."

Sanjay Kirpalani

Bettis took the time to offer some words of wisdom and encouragement to the talented back who will now follow in his footsteps.  

"He told me to keep grinding and never give up because you never know when your time in the game will end," Jones said. "His main message to me was just to keep working harder on the field and in the classroom."

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