father of David Jones

March 1

Going to Atlanta for the Nike Camp to get a gauge of how David stacks up against national competition. He graded out in the top 80 percent.

April 4

Memphis University was David’s first visit to a major program’s practice. There are lots of Memphis grads in the family from David’s mom and Auntie and cousin. Also, that is where David lived until he was 7. We left a DVD of highlights with the coaches and received an official offer.

May 8

Coach (John) Chavis from Tennessee visited South Pittsburg High School today. It was kind of like a rockstar appearance by “the Chief”. We’ve also had contact from Louisville, Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, MTSU and Southern Miss. Things are heating up as far as recruiting.

May 20

Myself, David and his younger brother Dewel visited Tennessee and were invited into Coach Phil Fulmer’s office. We chatted about football, family and life. Coach Fulmer is impressive in person. He said they would recruit David throughout the season.

June 7

We visited Vanderbilt and were invited to a bar-b-que. Coach (Bobby) Johnson is very classy and genuine.

July 5

David is at camp at Tennessee, and we got to meet some outstanding players and parents from all around the nation. We had plans to attend Alabama and Auburn camps but summer camp for the Pirates trumped those.

David has been selected as no less than the second-best running back in the state by Tennessee Football magazine and was also selected as one of the best running backs by scout.com.

Oct. 4

David, his older brother Daniel and myself all go to Tennessee to watch their game against Northern Illinois. Coach (Steve) Caldwell met us, and we talked about the season and just chatted. Tennessee pulled the game out 13-9.

There have already been many ups and downs. Injuries bring about doubters. But how you respond to injuries and setbacks shows your true mettle. There are lots of options for David, and my only other advice for him is to make the college choice that will make him satisfied all-around — athletically, academically and socially. And if he were injured and could never play again, which campus life would he enjoy the most and work to finish and graduate from.

South PIttsburg is loaded with talent. But right now David and his teammates have put aside personal stats to try and make history together with another championship.

Having played on a powerhouse team the last three years at South Pittburg has made life easier for David. His teammates and coaches have helped put him in a great place to be seen even at a 1A program. Yes he’s had to work hard, but he still is being noticed by some of the nation’s best programs. Getting him to Nike camp helped him get noticed and rivals and scout.com both had people there to notice him.

Everyone thinks that their son is the best. But realistically he may not be. But there are a multitude of opportunities out there, and we don’t want to be closed to any of them.