Commitment Report: Trent Jones II – Eden Prairie (2021)

High school and college football programs all value versatility. It goes without saying, the more positions an athlete can successfully play, the more valuable he becomes to his team. One of the most versatile defensive linemen in the 2021 class was Eden Prairie’s [player_tooltip player_id="18058" first="Trent" last="Jones II"]. Now, he will be taking that versatility to the Big 12. The undefeated Eagles were on the shortlist of 6A teams that could make a realistic argument for 2020’s mythical state champion. "It wasn’t the season we expected or hoped for," Jones said. "We wanted to go all the way, and we had probably the best chance of anybody to win State. We worked with what we had through COVID, and I felt like we made the best out of the situation. I am proud of my team and my coaches." The Eagles stuck to a formula that has worked nearly every year this millennium. "When the defense was in sync and doing their job, it was hard for offenses to get yards on us," Jones said. "On offense, when we run the ball well, we control the game. That has been Eden Prairie football for years now. That is why we have eleven state championships." Jones was a key component of their undefeated season – especially in EP’s 4-3 defense. "I played tight end in short-yardage situations. I played everywhere on the defensive line," the two-year starter said. "Depending on the game plan, sometimes I would play on the center, or I would play the three-technique. For some games, I would move to the outside – depending on the scenario. I like knowing all the positions. It allows me to stay on the field longer and gives me more playing time." Moving up and down the defensive line was new for Jones. "Last year, we were deep at defensive line, so I didn’t have to move around as much. I was strictly a three-technique." "I think I am a good pass rusher as a defensive tackle," Jones continued. "I think I move well laterally and can read the guy in front of me. I like watching film and being able to know where the ball is going based on how they are lined up or what the guy in front of me is doing." Since the end of the football season, Jones has been focused on the next level – physically and mentally. "I have been working out this offseason. I didn’t get to lift as much as I normally would last offseason or during the season. Right now, I am lifting heavier weights, trying to get back my strength. I want to get my body right, so I have been doing a lot of running and conditioning. I have been eating right to turn some of my bad weight into good weight. (For college football) I want to learn how to better dissect film. I think that is one of the most important things about football." Recruiting was a learning experience. "For me, I learned that recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint," Jones said. "I learned not to worry about other peoples’ offers. God had a plan for me, and when the opportunity came, I took it. At the end, I was mostly talking to Winona State, North Dakota State, and Iowa State." After two camps and two gameday visits with the Cyclones, Jones ultimately committed to Iowa State. "The biggest thing for me was having coaches I want to play for," Jones told prepredzonemn.com. "At Iowa State, head coach Matt Campbell and defensive line coach Eli Rasheed, I feel like they are the best out there. When I went there for camps, I just felt like I could learn so much from them. When I got the opportunity, I didn’t hesitate." His versatility was one thing the Cyclones’ staff liked. "They see me as a Swiss Army knife kind of player," the 6’3" 260-pound senior said. "They said they would decide when I get there. As of now, they tell me to be ready to play anything (on the defensive line). They liked how I can rush the passer at defensive tackle. They liked my technique and my football instincts." A Swiss Army knife – a tool everyone can use in real life and a type of player who will always have a place on a college football team.