A kid we will hear a lot about over the next couple seasons is Sunset’s young and multi talented Bruce Jones Jr. (5-11 180 Jr. RB/CB). He’s a fifteen year old 11th grader that has the speed and agility of a college athlete. His upside if through the roof especially considering his humble demeanor and his ability to accelerate.
Jones Jr has accounted for 4 touchdowns on the season, (2 rushing, 1 interception, 1 kick return) with a big game coming this past week against Southridge (2 Tds). His two rushing Touchdowns helped the Apollos get a crucial victory against a Skyhawk team that was 2-0 in league. Sunset sits at (5-2 overall, 1-2 league) with a quality group of Seniors that give them a chance to win in the playoffs.
As good of an athlete as Bruce is, he’s even a better kid. He has been to three schools in as many years while being placed in some unique situations. As a freshman he teamed with Thomas Tyner to form maybe the best freshman running back duo this side of the Mississippi. It was clear that two backs as talented as this pair warranted being the number one guy somewhere so things progressed from there. As a sophomore he transferred to 3A Valley Catholic where he would have had his way with the competition for the next two years.
Now he sits with legendary Head Coach Faustin Riley and the Apollos in what looks to be a great move. Jones Jr says ” I love Sunset, everybody has been great and Coach Riley is one of the top coaches anywhere”. He got his first start this past week on defense at corner where he had to match up with two of the State’s top juniors in Justin Calo and Kevin McClean of Southridge. He did a phenomanal job against a pair that torched almost every other team they played.
The most unique thing about Jones is his age and potential for growth. His parents are 6-2 and 5-11 so the chances he’s done vertically is slim. He will play his senior season as a 16 year old and will have the luxury of redshirting his freshman year of college which most schools would love to know prior to his recruitment. He is one of the best kick returners in the state, and if he gets a lane its over. The three sport athlete says ” I love returning kicks, its my favorite thing to do”.
It sounds like Jones Jr has found a home, ” my teammates have been unbelievable and I feel fortunate to have come here, I think if we play like we can we can beat anybody”. His supporting cast is legit lead by a defense that can play lights out, and a senior group that can ball (Poorman, Abdie, Coulter, Labianco, Hordes).
Look out for Jones Jr to be sporting his purple at a field or court near you sometime in the near future. We believe his potential is far from being met and would agree that he could thrive in the Sunset’s system lead by one of the top coaching staffs in the Pacific Northwest.
