So Cal RB Cameron Jones Talks Oregon Visit

Jonathan Charles contributed to this report

Oregon’s list of visitors for the weekend of 14th was short but sweet. It included one of the more intriguing prospects on the West Coast: 2024 3-star jumbo running back Cameron Jones out of powerhouse St. John Bosco High in Bellflower (Calif.).

The On3 Consensus currently ranks Jones as the nation’s 493rd overall prospect and No. 48 junior at his position. Jones spoke to ScoopDuck reporters both before and after spending about two days in Eugene recently with his older brother and his cousin.

Jones said he was blown away by what the Ducks had to offer on what was his first college visit.

“I thought nothing but greatness about Oregon,” he said. “The great hospitality of the coaches, the staff, all of the above.

“What really stood out was the information about my position, it was like learning a whole new level of skill set.”

Jones was also amazed by both the facilities and infrastructure available.

“I was impressed about the small but very detailed designs and information about the school,” he said. “It was everything and more of what I expected.”

Oregon running backs coach Carlos Locklyn is leading the charge in Jones’s recruitment.

“Coach Lock had told me a lot about my skill set and adding more to my toolbox,” he said. “He also told me a quote that’s going to stick with me: ‘Make knowledge your greatest talent.’

Jones went on.

“I was with him all of the trip developing that relationship,” he said. “He’s like another older brother – nothing but good words. I could sit here all day and just speak greatness on him.

“I learned so much from him: football skills and life skills. He has the ability to be your mentor, coach or even life coach.”

Jones also spent some time with Locklyn’s boss.

“Coach (Dan) Lanning is a great coach,” he said. “ I can tell from his work how much passion he has for the program, the city and the players.

“Every time we talked he was asking me questions about myself, trying to learn more about me on and off of football. So I can tell that relationship between us will become great.”

All that praise sounds positive for Oregon, because Jones knows what he wants from a school.

“The relationships,” he said. “You can tell how interested a program is in you. All this recruiting and stuff is a business, so them being 100 all around with you (is vital).”

Jones added that the campus environment will play a factor in his decision.

“I love a place where the fans show a lot of love and are very compassionate with the program,” he said.

Jones has scheduled two more unofficial visits: Texas on Jan. 27 and LSU on Jan. 29. Right now, his plan is to take all five official visits.

Jones said Oregon will definitely get one – and that as of now, the Ducks are his first choice.

Jones said that programs are just now starting to notice him — and for good reason.

“That was my first actual full season played,” he said. “My freshman was COVID year. My sophomore year, …I was injured about six games.

“I’m still a 3-star recruit and not No. 1 in my running back class, so i have few words to say.”

Jones plans on committing after he takes his official visits, but he isn’t sure if his announcement will come before or after his senior season.

“It depends on how fast my recruitment picks up,” he said. “If it’s fast, then I’d like to commit before senior season. If not, then I’ll be waiting until after season.”