Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/542018
BY JORDAN WELLS Rochester (N.Y.) Aquinas Institute rising senior linebacker Jamir Jones wasn't offered by Notre Dame based on a whim from film evaluations — or due to his familial connections with the school via his brother, senior defensive lineman Jarron Jones. He earned his scholarship in person, working out for the staff on campus June 23 — and committed on the spot. "There is no school better than Notre Dame," Jones said. "You get everything at Notre Dame. It's worldwide. "It was a relief. I always knew I wanted to go to Notre Dame; they were the No. 1 offer I was waiting for. When I finally got it, it felt like a huge weight was taken off my chest. I can't wait to get up there and show what I can do." There's no denying the Irish sport a brand that is recognized around the globe. Still, there was more than one factor that helped Notre Dame land the three-star linebacker once it extended the offer. The coaching staff has done a tremendous job developing Jarron, both on the field as a player and off the field as a person. His Notre Dame jour- ney held some weight with both Jamir and his mother. "I've always looked up to all of my brothers — but Jarron, he was the first one of my brothers to go Division I," Jones said. "That's always been a dream of mine. And when I saw how Notre Dame molded him into the man he is now, I just wanted the same thing." Aquinas Institute head coach Chris Battaglia describes the younger Jones as a selfless leader. When Aquinas In- stitute faced an injury at a key position last fall, the 6-4, 230-pounder didn't hesitate to switch roles. "Here's a kid that last year is rated as one of the top outside linebackers/ defensive ends in the country, and in Empire State Linebacker Will Join Brother At Notre Dame Rivals rates Jones as a four-star recruit, the No. 2 prospect in New York and the No. 41 outside line- backer nationally. PHOTO BY ANDREW IVINS COMMITMENT PROFILE JAMIR JONES