Oviedo
FL
Lake Howell
LB
6'3
220
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CHRISTIAN JONES

In terms of pure size and acceleration, there might not be a more impressive looking outside linebacker than Jones in this class. Prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker with his long frame, good pass-rushing skills and experience playing up on the line of scrimmage. This guy may be a bit raw at times and a 'tweener from a positional standpoint (OLB/DE) but he can blow up the perimeter run or make plays pursuing sideline-to-sideline. Has great height and wide frame that is well-defined but still has room for good physical development. Plays the game with an intense motor and shows great chase speed from the backside. Good vertical attacker with his long body, great initial burst and deceptively good bend. Turns and changes direction without a lot of wasted motion for his tall frame. Takes direct angles to the ball. Closes strong and is very solid tackler; breaks down well in the openfield for his size as well. Uses hands to shed and keep blockers off his body well as an outside rusher Shows great speed on outside run support; difficult to outflank. Flashes the fluidity to slip under the cutoff when pursuing through traffic. However, we question his reactive athleticism at times. Needs to work on getting a quicker jump off the ball and attacking the outside half of the blocker when employed at end, susceptible to getting reached. At times lets blockers reach him at the 2nd level when employed at normal linebacker depth. A bit raw in his reads and fundamentals but can mask it at the high school level with his superior strength and physicality. Needs to make sure he is conscious of his leverage when trying to squeeze the run inside. Shows some stiffness in space as well when he plays without good knee bend. Overall, we feel Jones will polish up his technique and diagnosing skills when he concentrates on one position at the next level. You can't coach his great size and explosiveness or the high energy he plays the game with. Great prospect with a ton of versatility. Could line up at linebacker and put his hand down and rush the passer on 3rd downs.