Photo: Etowah High School senior Evan Jones signed a football scholarship with Campbellsville (Kent.) University on March 9. Pictured, standing, from left: EHS assistant football coaches Russ Pilkington and Jamison Wadley, EHS head football coach Drew Noles and EHS assistant football coach Dex Vines. (Mike Goodson)
By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Another Etowah High Blue Devil has signed to play college football and extend his playing days.
On March 9, Evan Jones signed with Campbellsville (Kent.)University.
The highly sought-after defensive back/linebacker had been recruited by five college programs but skipped committing on National Signing Day last month while he was weighing his options.
“It was a stressful process,” said Jones. “I was recruited by Faulkner, Birmingham Southern, Shorter and Campbellsville, among others.
“But this was the best decision for me. My main goal is to make the biggest impact I can on the field.”
Jones gave a lot of the credit for his success to his teammates and coaching staff.
“This team was like one big family,” he said.
Jones finished the 2017 season with 54 tackles, including four for a loss, three sacks and an interception. He helped the Blue Devils go 11-2, win the program’s first region title in six years and qualify for the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1999.
Jones was named to the Class 5A, All-Region 7 first team at defensive back.
Etowah head football coach Drew Noles spoke highly of Jones’ ability on the field.
“Evan is a great athlete, and he was instrumental in our [winning the] region championship and moving to the third round of the playoffs. He is one of the most versatile athletes I have ever had the privilege to coach.”
City of Attalla Mayor Larry Means also spoke of the contributions Jones had made to his school and the Attalla community.
Jones is expected to see extensive playing time as a freshman at both safety and linebacker for the Tigers, who finished 8-2 and in third place in the Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division.