Mason Jones has been one of Philip Barbour’s most effective defenders the past few years, and the unoffered 2027 LB deserves more attention from small-college programs. Jones may not have the prototypical frame for the position, but his instincts and experience help him consistently get to the football. He reads plays quickly, reacts decisively, and uses his build to slip underneath blockers before they can get square on him. Jones also moves well, giving him the quickness to shoot gaps and track down ball carriers. He’s an under-the-radar senior with a strong feel for playing linebacker, and D3 and Sprint programs should take a serious look at what he can offer.

2027 Philip Barbour LB Mason Jones has been one of the most productive senior linebackers in the state through the first four weeks, and his play has been too good to overlook. He’s racked up 49 tackles and 6 TFLs for the Colts and is playing some of the best football of his career. Jones is an unranked senior who lacks prototypical size, but his instincts consistently make up for that limitation. He’s played a lot of football for the Colts, and that experience shows up on tape with how quickly he reads and reacts. His smaller frame can actually work to his advantage, allowing him to duck underneath blocks and shed blockers before they can get a clean shot on him. Jones is also a good athlete laterally and vertically, giving him the quickness to shoot gaps and find the football in a hurry. He’s a very good small-college prospect who deserves a hard look this fall.

RETURNING STANDOUT

2027 Philip Barbour LB Mason Jones Mason Jones 5'6" | 175 lbs | LB/RB Philip Barbour | 2027 WV has been a steady producer for the Colts throughout his career and enters his senior season as a leader of their defense. Jones finished second on the team with 129 tackles as a junior, adding 9 TFLs and an interception while consistently being around the football. He may be undersized, but Jones plays with a high motor and brings a physical, hard-nosed approach to the linebacker position. Entering his senior year, he has a chance to lead the Colts in tackles and put up big numbers again.

2026 Philip Barbour ATH/LB Mason Jones Mason Jones 5'6" | 175 lbs | LB/RB Philip Barbour | 2027 WV has shifted his impact primarily to the defensive side this fall, and that move has paid off in a big way for the Colts as they gear up for playoff football. He’s been one of their most dependable defenders, piling up 118 tackles and 9 TFLs while showing the instincts and toughness that make him a reliable presence in the middle of the field. Jones still contributes offensively when needed, but his growth at linebacker has been the defining piece of his junior season. As the postseason ramps up, his consistency and motor give Philip Barbour a stabilizing force on a defense that leans heavily on his ability to read plays and clean up in traffic.

Mason Jones Mason Jones 5'6" | 175 lbs | LB/RB Philip Barbour | 2027 WV has waited his turn to be the Colts’ starting running back, and he’ll have his opportunity as a junior. With the incumbent starter transferring out, Jones will be pressed into duty and has the ability to perform well for them. Jones did a great job on defense as a sophomore as their second-leading tackler as a linebacker and will be a good two-way player for them. Size will keep him under the radar as a prospect for now, but don’t overlook Jones this season as he’s likely to produce on both sides of the ball.