The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1083898
Trente Jones Brings Offensive Line Versatility To U-M HONORS • As a senior, Jones was named first- team all-region in Georgia's largest division, 7A. • Played very well in the Under Ar- mour All-American Game Jan. 3 in Or- lando, Fla., prompting Rivals to jump him from No. 198 to No. 90 in its na- tional rankings. • As a junior, was recognized as a second-team selection on the Georgia Sports Writers Association's All-State Class 7A squad and was an honorable mention pick as a senior. RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan on Feb. 21, 2018. • Initially committed to Michigan while Tim Drevno was the offensive line coach, but Drevno resigned just two days after Jones' commitment. Once hired, new line coach Ed Warin- ner immediately reached out to Jones and formed a very strong bond with him. However, former linebackers coach Al Washington spearheaded Jones' recruitment due to a previously existing relationship. • Chose Michigan over Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas A&M, among many others. TRENTE JONES OFFENSIVE TACKLE 6-4 • 302 GRAYSON HIGH SCHOOL GRAYSON, GA. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 90 12 11 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 109 11 12 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 202 20 24 2019 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY AUSTIN FOX When Loganville (Ga.) Grayson of- fensive tackle Trente Jones commit- ted to Michigan on Feb. 21, 2018, he was rated as just a three-star prospect by Rivals. When the company's rankings were revised for the final time in January 2019, Jones had climbed not only to four-star status, but he was now listed as the No. 90 overall re- cruit in the country. "His performance at the Under Ar- mor All-American Game [on Jan. 3, 2019] and the practices leading up to it were the main factors," Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Chad Simmons revealed. "Jones was on the same team as [top-50 prospect and four-star offensive tackle] Wanya Morris and five-star [offensive tack- les] Darnell Wright and Evan Neal, and was lining up side-by-side with them and looking like he belonged. "He also went against several of the best defensive linemen in the country and was outstanding. The way Jones stacked up against guys who were ranked much higher than he was, was incredible. In fact, he was better than almost everyone else — with the exception of [Ala- bama signee] Neal — for five straight days." The four-star competed at offen- sive tackle throughout the week of practice in Orlando, Fla., but pos- sesses the versatility to play either inside or outside at the college level. "I actually think he'll be better on the interior long term," Simmons noted. "Jones has the feet and the ability to play tackle at the next level, but if he adds some more weight and puts mass on his body, he could be an incredible pulling guard." Jones "Coach Harbaugh told me I'd start off at right tackle, and that I'd fight for a spot as soon as I get there. … I expect to compete for a starting spot as a freshman either way, or at least to be in the rotation." Jones was a top performer at the Under Armour All-American Game, helping him rise from the No. 198 overall recruit in Rivals' rankings in December to a No. 90 finish in the final listing. He was rated as low as a three-star recruit when he committed to Michigan on Feb. 21, 2018. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN 46 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2019 2019 Projection Jones likely won't be needed right away with four returning starters up front, and it's not ideal for freshman offensive linemen to be thrust into action anyway. He will have time to grow, develop and learn under a lot of talented blockers ahead of him. Jones could potentially play three positions at the next level. Both guard spots are options for him and so is right tackle. He doesn't have experience at center and might not be suited to play left tackle. Still, he is very athletic, continues to get better and has faced some really good competition playing for Grayson, which makes him a pretty safe bet to be a solid contributor in the future. His Under Armour All-American Game performance only reinforced that thought.