Everyone has moments in their life that they can look back on and say, "that changed everything." For me it was becoming a father. For Vista Murrieta High School wideout AJ Jones, his might be his high school's college showcase. That is where he met BSU wide receivers coach Matt Miller for the first time.
Chris V
Everyone has moments in their life that they can look back on and say, "that changed everything." For me it was becoming a father. For Vista Murrieta High School wideout AJ Jones, his might be his high school's college showcase. That is where he met BSU wide receivers coach Matt Miller for the first time. From that college showcase AJ got invited to The Redlands football camp. The Broncos wanted to see more of him. He walked away from that camp with a Boise State offer to which he is now committed. So, you could say it went well for the Murrieta, California native.
AJ, who stands 6'2" and lists himself at 180lbs is a play maker. Take a look at his film and a few things stand out. AJ is a very talented punt and kick returner. When asked if he could choose between catching a redzone touchdown or returning a kick for a touchdown he easily said the touchdown return would be the bigger thrill. AJ loves to hear the crowd as they see the play develop and the excitement builds as he dodges and weaves his way through the coverage team. But AJ's play in the redzone is also noteworthy. Jones doesn't look like a "cheap" 6'2"; the height is legit, and I'd bet his wingspan is even more impressive. He uses that size along with great hands to snag touchdowns in the corner of the endzone.
Sometimes when you have a wideout that is on the taller side you might expect their speed to be a little less than a smaller player. Not in AJ's case. AJ told me he ran a 10.8 100-meter dash last year and expects to easily improve on it this track season. When asked to pinpoint his best attribute AJ feels like his speed is what will get him noticed in the NCAA. He was humble and said he'd top out at a 96 speed rating. Always need to have room to improve, right?
Before meeting coach Miller for the first time, Boise State wasn't an unknown to AJ. He had heard of the famous Boise State Blue Turf. But more than that, he had seen the success that Khalil Shakir, who also attended Vista Murrieta High had on the Blue Turf. Following Shakir's success, AJ had seen that going to Boise gave you a legitimate shot at developing into an NFL talent. That's important to this young man. He wants to be prepared for the next level. But more than just that, he wants to win. AJ pointed out the winning tradition at Boise State and what a big factor it was in his decision. But the thing he talked about even more than that was the atmosphere of the program. He understands and appreciates that while it is a priority at Boise State to develop good football players, it is also a priority to develop good men.
After lots of thought and talking with my family I am EXTREMELY excited to announce my commitment to Boise State University.
— AJ Jones (@AJ_Jones14) June 12, 2024
Big thanks to @Coach_SD @2mattmiller for the belief they have in me. Let’s do this!@vmhsfootball @CCandaele pic.twitter.com/PTlmue7R4t
In what is becoming a very common theme, coach Danielson also stood out to AJ, and he pointed to their shared values as a key part of his commitment. He loves the "family" atmosphere that lives around this football program and is excited to get to Boise for his official visit when the Broncos take on Washington State.
I asked AJ what his "final 3" schools were. He cheerfully said it never even got to that point. Once he got the Boise State offer, he knew he would be a Bronco.
Jones is a talented football player no doubt, but when I asked him what made him a unique player, he pointed to something that is valuable on and off the field: leadership and energy. AJ not only wants to improve himself, but to help improve his teammates as well. AJ Jones likes to win and he wants to help those around him do the same. I think he'll fit in quite nicely at Boise State.
