Prep football: USC-bound Blair Jones named SuperPrep All-American.

Barry Faulkner

NEWPORT BEACH - Newport Harbor High senior Blair Jones, who

verbally committed Sunday to continue his football and academic careers

at USC, has been named All-American by SuperPrep magazine.

A 6-foot-8 offensive tackle for the CIF Southern Section Division VI

champion Sailors, Jones was listed No. 21 among 39 offensive linemen on

the 308-player All-American team chosen by the recruiting publication

published by Newport Harbor alum Allen Wallace.

Jones, the most coveted recruit in Coach Jeff Brinkley’s 14-year tenure

at Harbor, said he will sign a national letter of intent with USC Feb. 2,

the first day of the next national signing period.

He made his decision at the conclusion of his recruiting visit to USC

Sunday. He had previously visited Michigan and Washington and he canceled

his visit to Colorado, scheduled this weekend. He also considered Cal and

Oregon.

“I extremely liked (USC),” said Jones, also an All-CIF Southern Section

selection in Division VI. “I liked the networking you can do with a USC

degree. (Staying) in Southern California wasn’t a real big deal, but it

sure helps not having to hop on a plane (to come home).”

Jones, a leading reason the Sailors produced nearly 79% of their total

offense on the ground (3,797 rushing yards) in a 13-0-1 campaign, said he

will redshirt next fall.

“I’m 264 pounds right now and I need to be around 300,” Jones, a

three-year starter and a two-time All-Newport-Mesa District honoree,

said.

There was some preseason talk that Jones’ weight, considered below

Division I college lineman standards, could prompt a shift to tight end

at the next level. Jones, however, said he plans to remain at tackle with

the Trojans.

He will major in business with an emphasis on marketing and finance.