Jones is one of the better safety-linebacker hybrids in the state, and people are finally starting to realize it. He wasn’t actually a starter at the beginning of the year, but earned more playing time, partially through splash plays. He blocked a kick, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble last season, and his length should allow him to make an impact in the passing game, as well.

Charlie Jones Charlie Jones NC may still be an up-and-coming prospect on the recruiting trail, but he already looks like a major piece of the Lake Norman defense. During the Super 75 Tour stop, Jones was one of the leaders running the defense at practice and clearly has a big role in what they want to do this season. He’s used all over the field — attacking downhill through the middle, coming off the edge on pressure packages, and making plays sideline to sideline.

In person, Jones has a much stronger frame than expected, checking in at 6’1, 205 pounds while reportedly running sub-4.7 speed. He moves extremely well for his size and plays with confidence and leadership traits you want from a linebacker. The rising prospect recently picked up his first offer from UNC, and with camp season and summer evaluations coming up, his recruitment feels like it could take a major jump.

Jones has a frame that can hold weight and he may grow into a linebacker later in his career. For now, I really like him as a safety, a guy who can play in the box or back in center field in single-high looks. He’s a raw, moldable defender with plus athletic traits and a willingness to hit both receivers and running backs.

Jones has excellent size and length and some versatility as well. A safety right now, there’s a chance he could move down to linebacker, if he gets a bit bigger. He’s an instinctual player who had a great freshman season. It gets better: he has a tendency to play a bit high on film, and some easy technical refinement would immediately raise his already high ceiling. I’m excited to see how he develops.