After going a little over a month without a commitment and watching both Tennessee and Clemson sail past them on the 247Sports Composite team rankings board, the Tar Heels have added their latest commitment in the 2021 class. Jones, who was originally set to commit tomorrow, had to move his decision up after his decision was leaked earlier this evening. Just moments ago via Instagram, Jones announced he would become the third member of the Tar Heels 2021 receiving class.
As a junior this past season at Myrtle Beach High School in Myrtle Beach, SC, Jones caught 45 passes for 707 yards and 16 touchdowns while playing in just ten games due to injury. Jones was somehow not selected for the all-state or all-region teams despite the flawless season, one that was his first full season at wide receiver. Prior to his transfer to Myrtle Beach, Jones played both sides of the football for Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, finishing his two year career there with 11 receptions for 289 yards and four touchdowns along with 68 total tackles and three interceptions.
Jones is just what the Tar Heels are lacking in this 2021 receiving class. At 6’3, 195 lbs., Jones has the size to play on the outside, something that the Tar Heels were needing to still add in this class. His 4.48 40-yard dash number is a good number and while he won’t be the fastest wide receiver in this receiving corps, he has enough speed to make things happen after the catch. Jones loves double moves on film and while his route running will still need some fine-tuning, there is a lot to like. He has to be a little more consistent catching the football, but his catch radius might be the most attractive part of his game. He shows the ability to climb the ladder and make contested catches, the role that the Tar Heels will be looking for him to fill when he joins the team next year. Jones will be a nice fit in this offense and will have plenty of upside to build on when he gets to campus.
With the commitment, the Tar Heels have fifteen players committed to the 2021 class. The pick up likely means the Tar Heels are done at wide receiver in this cycle, as long as all of the commitments hold. Jones’ commitment keeps the Tar Heels at No. 4 overall and No. 2 in the ACC, but closes them back up to Clemson and Tennessee.