re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition

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Fast-rising Saraland 2016 WR Velus Jones racking up college offers
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Fast-rising recruit Velus Jones of Saraland has received nine scholarship offers in the last three weeks.

The 6-foot, 175-pound receiver was a first-team All-State and All-Region performer in 2014. In leading the Spartans to the Class 6A title game, Jones caught 51 passes for 1,118 yards and nine touchdowns.

He currently holds offers from Louisville, Tulsa, Troy, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama, Louisiana-Lafayette, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern and Alabama A&M.

He attended Auburn's Junior Day last weekend and is scheduled to attend Louisville's Junior Day on March 7. Saraland coach Jeff Kelly also said Jones will likely visit Alabama soon.

"It was really just a matter of getting videos sent out and making a few phone calls," Kelly said Jones' quick recruiting rise. "After Signing Day, schools start pointing to next year and really evaluating the 2016 kids.

"When people see Velus on video, it doesn't take long to figure out what type of player he is. That - combined with the kind of student he is and how hard he works - is very appealing to colleges."

Jones has 4.4 speed in the 40.

"He is extremely explosive," Kelly said. "When you see him and see how quick he accelerates ... he has a great knack for running by folks on deep balls and making big plays.

"He is a good student with a good ACT score already. As schools get to know him this spring, I think he really has a chance to be one of biggest recruits in the state. He is very humble and working to get better all the time."

Kelly said Jones' banner junior year may have be just a sign of things to come in 2015 and beyond.

"Not many guys that can run like Velus can," Kelly said. "That will give him a chance. As he continues to work on being stronger and more explosive, I think he can play at any school in the country. He is an outstanding young man but a better kid to coach."

Truck giveaway will benefit Saraland programs

Saraland City Schools, with the help of Shell Chemicals, are giving away a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Z 71 Crew Cab Truck this fall.

Tickets are available for $5 in person at one of the schools and also online at gosaraland.com. Participants online can designate one of 20 programs for their money to benefit.

On Nov. 7, two names will be drawn from the entrants. Those two people will compete in a bean bag toss at a home basketball game Nov. 17 against Jackson. The winner takes home the truck.

"This is not necessarily a football fundraiser, though football will benefit from it," Kelly said. "Hopefully, it will touch a lot of different avenues and participants in our school system."

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