Jones leads the SJP offense as the signal-caller, and the outcome of this game hinges on North Allegheny effectively pressuring Samaj for a victory. However, the task is easier said than done. Jones showcases elite footwork, pocket presence, exceptional ball placement, and precise timing on his throws. With a roster full of D1 athletes as targets, he adeptly spreads the ball around. His QB mechanics and quick release are both at the FBS level. This senior QB has already committed to the Cincinnati Bearcats. It’s evident that stopping Samaj is crucial for North Allegheny to secure a win in this contest.

St. Joseph’s Prep’s Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA has cemented himself a tier above the rest at his position. For some years, dating back to 2021, many including us at Prep Redzone wanted to see which quarterback would separate themselves at the top of this class. Without a doubt, that passer was Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA . The future Bearcat has vastly improved physical and mental traits across the board, all in an effort to be the best possible quarterback prospect he can be. Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA will lead the 2023 SJP Hawks into a Fall season where they are once again favored to win the 6A State Title. A top-15 ranking stands as his highest rank yet.

Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA has made his case for being the most coveted Quarterback prospect in the state of Pennsylvania regardless of class. He’s earned that status. State Champion at St. Joseph’s Prep, Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA has led the Hawks to back-to-back State Title births, bringing home the title this past Fall. Elite production as a starter.

Currently holding 17 collegiate scholarship offers. Group of Five programs are showing the most interest in Jones, with the junior quarterback compiling seven total G5 offers to date. Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA has acquired an offer out of Tennessee and Texas A&M, both currently stand as his top offers out of the SEC. Maryland and Penn State are in on the passer, while three programs each out of the ACC and Big12 have reached out in the form of offers.rn

SCOUTING REPORT:

Works in a Spread-Option offense that likes to keep three-four wideouts spread in formation, with a back split next to Jones. He can work zone-read sets inside with his back, or work the field. It helps that he can attack all three levels of the field, forcing defenses to stay honest at all fronts. I can’t speak in confidence about Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA ‘ vocal abilities in the huddle or the locker room. I also can’t speak on the young man’s work ethic, although I hear that both areas act as a plus. Elite production in two years as a starter for the Hawks. A cerebral approach is brought to the offense. Looking at the formations and concepts thrown out by SJP, I don’t imagine there’s much the coaching staff holds Jones out of. Jones acts as a legitimate dual-threat prospect both at this level, as well as projecting to the next. I don’t expect Jones to take QB-Draws 70+ yards to the house at the next level, yet I do expect him to be a factor for FBS programs in a myriad of ways. I trust he will be able to pick up 1st-downs in improvisational situations. I trust Jones will serve as a threat to score in the red zone, no matter the level of competition he plays in. I don’t believe Jones has met his athletic ceiling, at the same time, I don’t expect him to churn up 60-70+ yards a game in a Power Five setting. He’s a tough runner in the open field too, I imagine many of the HS runs where he’s running through kids will turn into slides at the next level. Working with SJP and developing under their umbrella has bolstered this young man’s feel in the pocket. I’ve witnessed Jones both step into clean pockets as well as Jones move his launch point laterally, all while keeping his eyes downfield. Footwork is a plus, again, the staff has this kid seasoned past your average PA quarterback. He will always have room for growth, particularly if his next program wants him to run a system he might be uncomfortable in. Jones’ effectiveness as a passer is the biggest talking point surrounding the young man in recruiting circles. Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA boasts some of the best decisiveness of any quarterback in the state. SJP has athletes that demand a quick response from Jones, he shows he’s more than capable of making the read and delivering an accurate, catchable pass. This is especially so in the short/intermediate areas of the field. I can see the off-season work bear fruit in-season. The anticipation he throws with is a huge plus, again, his cerebral approach shows here. He understands pacing from a passer’s perspective. He’s seen lobbing throws into windows, he displays the ability to challenge tight window throws inside 15-20 yards as well. SJP doesn’t hold back much in terms of route tree, so Jones will go into the next level with plenty of experience throwing advanced passing concepts and routes. All of this has helped build confidence, both in his throws and overall play.

Many question Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA ‘ stature. It’s a real question that many college coaches point to. I know he’s a tough runner, that doesn’t answer the glaring question many of us are asking. Can Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA handle a beating from an ACC/BIG10/SEC defense? Can he bounce back after getting dismantled in the pocket and deliver dimes? Jones’ frame continues to bulk which is a plus, that being said, will his height be an issue? Another question I have is, what does Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph's Prep | 2024 State PA look like when things don’t go well? I like Jones from an improv perspective, yet let’s take it a step further. What is his ceiling if he doesn’t have elite talent surrounding him, both in terms of offensive line and skill players? I’m willing to bet on him because I’ve seen the kid work, yet I know this question holds amongst coaches at the next level. The last question surrounding Jones’ game, is his arm strength. I think this issue was a bit more glaring this time a year ago. I wouldn’t say Jones has made strides over the past year in terms of developing torque behind his balls, yet I see him putting a bit more zip on the ball than I was used to seeing. Torque and velocity aside, can he target downfield effectively? Again, I think this is an area that still needs improvement, yet one that is clearly trending in the right direction.