Class 2012: Brian Jones, WR/SB, Lockview Dragons (Video)

Today, CFC features class of 2012 star wide receiver/slotback from the Lockview Dragons, Brian Jones. Brian started playing football for the peewee Fall River Dragons (second year peewee).

Brian Jones

Positions:
Wide Receiver, Slotback

Height/Weight:
6’4, 210 lbs

Teams:
Lockview Dragons (high school)
Fall River Dragons (bantam/peewee)
Metro Mustangs under-20
Team Nova Scotia under-18

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Saint Mary’s, Mount Allison, St. Francis Xavier, Queen’s, Calgary, Western, Guelph, McGill, Ottawa

Class:
2012


Brian Jones started playing football after being lured away from the basketball court at the age of 13 (his main sport at the time). During his basketball playing days, many of his teammates urged Brian to give football a try. Also, bantam football coach Chris Valardo attended many basketball games and watched Brian on the court.

Finally, Brian caved in to the pressure.

“I finally decided to give in and give this football thing a try,” says Brian.

From the moment he stepped on the field, Brian was hooked. He says that it was an “awesome” feeling to play football and instantly fell in love with the game. In his first year of play with the Fall River Dragons, Brian was named the team’s rookie of the year.

The football convert will be the first to admit that it took time for him to hone his skills.

“I never was a real stand out at my younger age, I guess you could say it wasn’t until bantam that I started to really improve my game,” comments Brian.

The wide receiver/slotback played peewee and bantam with the Fall River Dragons from 2007 to 2010. While playing with the Metro Mustangs under-20 team in 2011, Brian had the opportunity to work with current Western Mustangs quarterback (former Sackville High Kingfishers standout) Ben Rossong.

“My game really improved with him as I never really had a quarterback of his talent,” says Brian.

In his high school career with the Lockview Dragons, Brian was a standout player. He was named to the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) first all-star team at the receiver position in 2010. This past season, he was selected to the NSSAFFL second all-star team at the same position while helping the Dragons win the Tier 2 NSSAFFL championship title.

As a member of the Nova Scotia under-18 team, Brian went to the Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta this past July. He was named top offensive player in the Nova Scotia versus Ontario West game for his efforts on the field.

Last summer, Brian had another great opportunity. The graduating player trained with former Arizona Cardinals player, Chad Carpenter.

The former NFL player liked what he saw during training.

“He was very impressed with my skill for a guy my height and he said he had high expectations for me,” comments Brian.

Brian’s second year of bantam gave him his most memorable football moment.

“I was running a post pattern over the middle, I caught the ball just under the safety and started running for the end zone, he dived at my legs and I juked,” explains Brian. “At that moment, I felt my hip pop which in end turned out to be an avulsion fracture.”

“I then ran in so much pain for another 10 yards for a touchdown then was taken off by ambulance.”

For the star player, his parents have been the main influence on his life.

“Definitely my parents,” says Brian. “They have done so much for me in my life and I am very grateful all the time my mother put into driving me to various sporting events as well my dad for being supportive.”

Brian’s football inspiration and influence comes from the very same man who attended Brian’s basketball games and gave him his first football opportunity.

“Chris Valardo, my first football coach he gave me all the chances I have for today in football,” says the Dragons star player. “He has helped me out on numerous occasions.”

Dragons head coach Mike Korecki is another coach that has made an impact on Brian’s football career.

“He has been very supportive to me,” adds Brian. “I was never a real outstanding player in my early years not until about grade 11, did I really start to get a hang of this football thing.”

After graduation from high school, Brian plans to study sciences in university. He has an interest in kinesiology.

Brian has met so many people from the game. It has helped him to build character and become a better person.

That is not all he has learned from the game.

“I really love football and I want to take this sport as far as it will take me but that will come with hard work and determination,” explains Brian. “I believe that nothing is handed to you and you have to earn it with hard work and dedication.”

Dragons head coach Korecki says Brian is an “excellent” asset to any team.

“Brian is a big, tough receiver that can play inside or outside,” comments Korecki. “He’s tough to match up against and is a student of the game and understands route combinations and what will work.”

“He’s also an excellent blocker, able to elevate his game on the big stage.”

Video of Brian’s Football Highlights:


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