Hughes wide receiver Jabari Jones recently committed to play football at Jackson State and a relationship with coach Kali James is a big reason why he made that decision. James, who is the run game coordinator, also coaches the defensive line. Receivers coach Vincent Marshall also played a big part in Jones’ recruitment and was a key influence on his decision.
“Coach James has been on a bumper for a long time. He really welcomed me in with open arms and I just really trust him. It takes one person to see you and I just believe he is the one person who saw me working and he believes in me,” said Jones. “Coach Marshall, That’s my dog. We talk every day on the phone and we build our bond up right now as we speak.”
In terms of how he is going to fit into the team Jackson State plans to use him in a myriad of ways. Essentially, he is a playmaker on the offense. Finding ways to get the ball in his hands and let him make plays in the open field.
“They see me fitting in all over the field and getting the ball in my hands,” said Jones.
A true freshman who was known for his big performances here in Georgia and played for state-runner-up Creekside in 2023, Travis Terrell is having a great start as a true freshman for Jackson State. Jones has taken notice and likes what he is seeing from Terrell. Creekside and Hughes are rival schools not too far from each other in Fairburn, Georgia.
“Somebody you know excelling so early at that level is cool to see. If he can do it, I know I can do it. If I put my mind to anything I know I’m doing it 100%. I just want to get better at everything that I’m doing, from the little things to the big things like anything a coach gives me. I want to learn. I want to be able to take in any knowledge that a coach has given to me,” said Jones.
Jones is coming off a great performance in Hughes recent victory against Morrow where he had an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a receiving touchdown. This season Jones is tied for a team-high six touchdown catches and leads the team in catches and has 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns.. Jones is not just a threat in the passing game but is also used in the backfield and on special teams, where he has two kickoff returns for a touchdown.
Jones has always been a great player but is seeing an even bigger uptick in his production. He credits the improvement to wide receiver coach Steph Brown who came over from Kell High School this summer. Coach Brown has developed and mentored a lot of wide receivers who have played on the collegiate level and now are making it to the pros. Some of those players are Javon Baker (Patriots), Calvin Austin (Steelers), Josh Downs (Colts), Mecole Hardman (Chiefs), Ladd McConkey (Chargers), Jamari Thrash (Browns), and Van Jefferson (Steelers), and many more. Coach Brown also have several players in college currently as well Jared Brown (South Carolina), Kobe Hudson (UCF), Dane Key (Kentucky), Robert Lewis (Auburn), Kamryn Perry (Miami), and Ricky White (UNLV).
“Me and my guys put in work every day in the offseason. We were on the grind. We worked out in the morning and went to training in the afternoon. That was an everyday thing and I just perfected my craft so I could get better at the little things,” said Jones. “Coach Brown taught me a lot, man. How to get in and out of my breaks and how to slow down my routes. Learning what a soft spot in a zone is and how to read defenses from the receiver spot.”
Here is Jones breaking down how to beat a Cover 3 zone that is commonly used in high school to stop opposing offenses.
“If a defense is playing cover three, there are a couple of concepts you can do. You can do a go ball with an out route that takes the DB deep in his thirds, or you can just find the weak side flat,” said Jones.
It’s been a great season for the senior playmaker. Jones has contributed all over the field for the Panthers. Hughes is right at the top with as good a chance as any to win a state championship in 5A. The Panthers’ offense has been unstoppable and is averaging 48.5 points per game one of the highest marks in 5A. They have five games this season where they have surpassed 50 points. It is an explosive offense that has Maurice Gleaton, Xavier Tiller, Jones, Jovanni McGee, Chry’shawn Sellers, and so many more. It will be exciting to see how Jones and Hughes finish the season and what the next stage of his career will look like.
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