STARKVILLE — Kobe Jones took advantage of his opportunities this summer.
The Starkville High School senior defensive lineman attended a couple of camps around the Southeast and impressed. His play paid off as he received a scholarship offer from Alabama.
“It’s really picked up since I hit the camp circuits this summer,” Jones said. “I think it was a big opportunity I took advantage of because a lot of people really didn’t know who Kobe was. They’re really impressed, and I think they’re really shocked I came out and performed like that.”
Jones attended a camp in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at the end of May and the Crimson Tide offered him a scholarship that day. The offer came from coach Nick Saban, who met Jones in his office after the camp.
“He said he loved my style of play and quickness off the ball,” Jones said. “We ran a lot of drills and at the end of the day (Saban) wanted us to perform in one-on-ones. I think I stood out in the drills.”
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Jones is the second Starkville High senior to receive an offer from Alabama. Wide receiver A.J. Brown also has a scholarship offer from the Tide. Junior linebacker Willie Gay also has received an offer.
Jones received an offer from Mississippi State in late January. Ole Miss offered him in early February. In all, he has 12 offers, including the three from Southeastern Conference schools.
Jones also was just as impressive at MSU’s Big Dawg Camp in July.
“Kobe Jones was dominant on the defensive interior, showcasing outstanding strength, motor and physicality,” 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons said. “With the size you want and the film to back him up, Jones looked like a clear four-star.”
The performances helped Jones earn a four-star rating from 247Sports. The website has him as the 14th best player in the state of Mississippi, and the 38th best defensive tackle in the country.
Jones had 25 tackles (five for loss) and two forced fumbles last season to help the Yellow Jackets reach the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A North Sate championship game.
Jones is surrounded by some other good defensive linemen, but his work ethic sets him apart, according to Starkville High defensive coordinator Brooks Oakley.
“He’s probably the hardest working kid we’ve got on the team, which is always good when some of your best players are your hardest working kids,” Oakley said.
Jones is one of two Starkville High players named this year to The Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen, which recognizes the state’s top 12 players. Brown is the other.
Jones is poised for a big senior year he hopes will land him more offers. He is open minded about his future, but he said he would love to play in the SEC. He hasn’t set any official visits for the fall, but he said he likely will use all five, mainly at SEC schools.
Although many think he will stay at home and attend MSU, Jones doesn’t have a timetable for his decision and isn’t leaning toward one school.
“I’m just going to continue to execute and dominate wherever I am so I can turn heads and attract attention,” Jones said. “I’m just going to take time out to see what colleges really have me as a priority.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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