Ryan Jones is a four-star wide receiver that is committed to the North Carolina Tar Heels’ 2017 recruiting class. He is one of the Tar Heels’ key additions to the future of their program. While he may not receive the hype that some receivers across the map have been getting, he is worth every minute that people focus on watching his game film and studying what he will bring to the table.
Standing in at 6-foot-2 and weighing 219 pounds, Jones is known as a very physical wide receiver. He will not have much trouble adjusting to the physicality that comes with playing Division I college football.
Outside of the Tar Heels, Jones had a lot of high-profile scholarship offers. He received one from the Clemson Tigers, Florida Gators, Oklahoma Sooners, West Virginia Mountaineers, and plenty of other schools. Jones decided to take his talents to Chapel Hill, which is just down the road from his home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Last season as a junior at Mallard Creek High School, Jones caught 23 passes for 669 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers show just how electric of a playmaker Jones can be, averaging just over 29 yards per reception.
His high school football coach, Mike Palmieri, gave him a glowing endorsement in an interview.
“He’s a great football player,” Palmieri said. “He’s great on both sides of the ball. He plays corner and wide receiver. He has the whole package. His speed and strength is impressive and his ball skills are phenomenal. He’s aggressive. Man, he’s pretty much the whole package.”
Q. What made you choose to commit to the Tar Heels? What were some of the main deciding factors?
Jones: I chose Chapel Hill because it has a great football program. They’re on the right track for more success in the future and it’s my home for me, not too far away.
Q. How would you describe your game to a fan who hasn’t seen much of you?
Jones: I would say I’m a very physical player that makes a lot of plays on-the-field.
Q. What do you think will be the toughest adjustment that you’ll have to make from high school to D-1 football?
Jones: Just learning the full playbook, really.
Q. What do you think are the strongest aspects of your game and what do you think you need to work on the most?
Jones: I would say route running because you can always improve that and just becoming more of a vocal leader. But my game right now I would say is pretty solid. I have size, catching ability, strength, and speed.
Q. Is there a current NFL or D-1 receiver that you would compare your game to?
Jones: I would say either Keenan Allen or Jarvis Landry.
Q. What are your goals for your upcoming career at North Carolina?
Jones: Team goal is to win another ACC title and possible a national title or at least play in one. Individually, I’d like to graduate and break records.
Q. What advice would you give to a young wide receiver looking to play D-1 football?
Jones: Bust your tail and never give up on your dream.
Q. When did you realize you had legitimate D-1 talent? Who has helped push you to this point the most?
Jones: I always knew I could, but my 9th grade year is when I really turned it up and started grinding. And really my family pushed me. I just wanted to help them as much as I possibly could.
Q. What would you like to say to the North Carolina fan base in closing?
Jones: I’m looking forward to showing y’all what I can do on and off the football field. #GoHeels
