Warren’s Micah Jones took an understated approach to his college announcement ceremony.
The junior wide receiver wrapped up the festivities in under a minute Friday, selecting Notre Dame over Northwestern, Mississippi, Nebraska, Michigan State, Iowa and Illinois.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Jones had all seven hats lined up on a table. The consensus four-star recruit read from a prepared statement, thanking his parents and noting he became a national recruit after starting off "as a shy, skinny, nerdy kid with glasses."
"I didn’t want to make (this) a big thing," Jones said. "I just wanted to stay humble throughout this process, and didn’t want to make it a huge thing for me. I’ve been doing this since eighth grade, so it’s great to get it over with and the outcome was great for me. I’m relieved to have this pressure off my back."
Jones is ranked as the No. 289 overall recruit in the country, No.46 wide receiver and No. 5 prospect in Illinois among the Class of 2018, according to 247Sports.com.
Although he was originally set to declare in April, Jones moved up his timetable after attending Notre Dame Junior Day. Jones is the 10th commitment in the Class of 2018 for the Irish, who finished 4-8 last season.
"I loved everything about Notre Dame," Jones said. "I loved the campus, the people and you can’t go wrong with a Notre Dame degree. I have a deep connection with the Notre Dame coaching staff, and the team is building something special."
While Jones does not have the dazzling statistics of someone ranked so highly and being courted by so many traditional football powerhouses, his upside is intriguing.
As a sophomore, he caught 22 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. This season, after the Blue Devils had high expectations but did not make the playoffs, Jones finished with 22 receptions for 232 yards and two TDs.
But recruiters like his size. Strong, big and quick, Jones has the ability to be a dominant force against smaller cornerbacks in college. Or he could move to tight end and utilize his speed to be a pass-catching threat.
Warren coach Bryan McNulty said Jones has the potential to be a difference-maker at Notre Dame. McNulty said he plans to also play Jones at defensive end next season.
"Micah has so much upside because he’s still growing and a great athlete," McNulty said. "He’s a great athlete and has a great attitude.
"I think his best football is ahead of him. He’s a big, physical player who can go up and get the football."
Bob Narang is a freelance writer for the News-Sun.
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