Christian County had another successful football season this season, reaching the 5-A state title game behind an athletic and stingy defense. One of the better defenders on the roster was free-safety Juan Jones.
Jones, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound sophomore, is one of the bright young stars in western Kentucky. Jones, even as a young player, excels in a couple of areas that are often overlooked.
“I’m a smart player when I’m on the field. I’m good at understanding what’s going on,” said Jones. “I’m good at tackling and reading the offensive formations,” he continued.
As a safety, Jones has to be able to cover the pass and also be prepared to cover the run as well. That’s the area Jones wants to improve.
“I’m working to get better at reading play actions,” he said.
Jones wound up playing in 11 games last season after getting hurt during the playoffs. Jones has recovered and is 100 percent, but he felt good about his contribution to last year’s team.
“I think I played well on the defensive side,” said Jones, who had 50 tackles last season.
Jones is still just getting started with recruiting and isn’t consistently hearing much from schools, but he has spoken with Louisville Offensive Coordinator Mike Sanford.
He hasn’t taken any visits yet, but he plans to get out to some schools this summer and compete at some camps.
“I’m attending a few camps coming up soon. I’m going to Kentucky and to Murray State,” he said.