By Ashleigh Arnaud
On day one of the Texas 7on7 State Tournament there were 64 Division II teams playing and some amazing talent being showcase. I was lucky enough to catch up with two of most talented players on the field from Stafford, TX, Hezekiah Jones and Jalen Pitre.
Both of them were committed to Baylor up until Coach Briles was removed as head coach. Jones decommitted on May 28th and is now picking between Texas A&M, Alabama, Auburn, Houston, and Notre Dame.
Hezekiah Jones
Jones is a 4-star 6-foot-190-pound senior and is the nations No. 17 wide receiver in the class of 2017. Last season he caught 31 passes for 481 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Spartans to an 11-1 record. On the field today, you could definitely tell he was on another level than some of the other players even with team’s double covering him most of the time.
What is the biggest factor in making your decision of where to go to play college football?
“Everything factors in. The school, education, the coaching staff, and stability. If they win games that is great but I am there to ball regardless.” Jones said
Jalen Pitre in the number 6 jersey.
Pitre committed to Baylor on July 24th of last year and is still fully committed. The 6-0, 197-pound Pitre expects to play nickelback for the Bears. He is a 3-star recruit and the nations No. 58 safety. In his first year as Stafford’s starting free safety, Pitre made 78 tackles while collecting six interceptions and seven pass breakups as a sophomore. Last season he helped the Spartans with making 41 total tackles and 2 pass breakups.
After the scandal, a lot of other players are decommitting from Baylor but you are staying fully committed what is your reasoning for doing that?
“Love the education. I felt like home when I went there that is why I committed so early. They were just so welcoming and it was just a lot of fun every time I went.”
Do you hold any grudges or hard feelings towards the players that decommitted from Baylor after everything that happened?
“No I don’t. Everybody has their own reasons and I can’t be mad at them for what they choose.”
While at the 7on7 state tournament I wanted to ask both Jones and Pitre what they thought about the whole concept and how it helps them prepare for the season.
How does playing in 7on7 relate to actual football games?
“Chemistry is everything when you are playing football. When you work as a team that is when you win games. ” Jones said
“Just communicating and playing as a team.” Pitre said
Stafford got third place in their pool bracket with a loss against Lorena so they will not be able to win the state championship but they will be back on the field against Glen Rose at 8am in the consolation bracket.
