Camden (S.C.) High defensive lineman Shymeik Jones had a strong week of practice at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas as a commit to Appalachian State, but he is now on his way to playing Power 5 football.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Jones decommitted from the Mountaineers Sunday afternoon, and a few hours later announced his commitment to Georgia Tech.
“The fact that I want to major in computer engineering and they have a great program for it (was key),” Jones said. “I like the environment the most.”
Jones is a one-time basketball player who moved to football for his junior season.
He had success and decided during the spring he would pursue football in college and began to work on his technique. Jones can play defensive end, but he knows he offers position versatility.
“I see myself starting off as a defensive end,” he said. “If i put on weight, I see myself being moved across the line.”
Georgia Tech hired Brent Key as its coach and Jones said his connection with the coaching staff was a big part of his decision
“I like how welcoming they are,” he said. “And the fact that they will work me to become not only a great athlete, but a better man.”
That Jones is even in this position is due to some friends and coaches at Camden.
“Last year I had a group of seniors I was close with, and the head coach, persuaded me to come out and play so I did,” he said. “I came out and played for fun and I liked the sport a lot. Everyone would tell me, ‘Yo, you’re getting really good at the sport so try to take it seriously.’ I took everybody’s advice and that is what made me look at football.”
He made 37 tackles, including six sacks, and also was credited with 12 hurries as a senior. He knows where he needs to improve the most heading to college.
“With growth, it would probably be with physicality,” Jones said. “And then getting bigger and stronger to help with the physicality.”
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