Something Special Brewin? Malcolm Jones Honored As Gatorade National Player Of The Year
by Nestor on Dec 11, 2009 7:08 AM PST
in Recruiting
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PrintMany of us have followed college athletics long enough to know that we shouldn't always get too excited about hype around big time recruits. It is especially true these days in the world of college basketball. Sometimes recruits in hoops such as JF, AA, and KL live up to all the hype. Other times, well I don't think I have to go through the details of the Ben Ball warriors class of 2008 (you can also read the comments in this thread which will go back much further).
Same dynamics also play out in football to a certain extent (even though in football it takes recruits traditionally a year or two to make discernible impact in the program). I think we can write post after posts on who has worked out (MJD, Brian Price, Akeem Ayers, Rahim Moore, XSF) and who hasn't (Ben Olson, Aundre Dean ) in recent years in Westwood. Yet, every once in a while we read and hear about a recruit in football or hoops, and we can't help but hope for something special when everything looks and sounds right about his arrival to Westwood. Well, if you haven't yet then meet Malcolm Jones. He just became the first UCLA football recruit ever to be honored as the Gatorade National High School Player Of The Year:
The LAT writeup provides the eye popping numbers:
Jones, a running back-linebacker, has scored 109 touchdowns in his four-year prep career. This season, he has rushed for 2,156 yards, putting him 40 yards short of tying the single-season school record held by Marc Tyler. He has 36 touchdowns and is nearing 6,000 yards rushing in his career.
Jon Gold from the Daily News had the following comment from MJ's team-mate on how emotional he was yesterday:
"You should have seen the expressions on his face when he was walking out of class," Oaks Christian quarterback Nick Montana said with a wide smile. "He was with his family, biggest smile on his face; I haven't seen him smile like that in a while. He was tearing up a little bit - it was awesome to see."
Well congrats to Malcolm from the entire BN. We have a little more on him after the jump.
Gold sheds a little more light on Malcolm as a student and person off the field:
Jones maintains a 3.46 grade-point average and announced in early October that he would play for UCLA, choosing the Bruins over expected front-runner Stanford. Additionally, Jones is a peer tutor and a youth basketball volunteer referee. "He's realizes I think that he's really blessed," Marshall Jones Sr. said. "He takes his blessings as something he should utilize for the good of himself and others. And that's what makes me proud of him. "He's a better person than he is a football player." He also has the right perspective heading into UCLA next season: "I really wanted to go to a school where I can really make a name for myself, not just be the "next" star running back at a USC or one of those big-time colleges," Jones said. "I want to prove to everyone that I can really help turn the program around, get them back on top." Sounds like a Bruin already. lol Here he was few weeks ago reflecting on his team's season, his commitment to UCLA, and the looming CIF playoffs: Well, Malcolm is going to lead his 13-0 Oaks Christian team into tonight Northwest Division championship game against Gardena Serra. He has played on three consecutive section championship teams. In terms of some previous history on this award, I should note in hoops it was KL and Jrue Holiday who were also honored as Gatorade NPOY (as I said in my opening grafs, we have mixed records). Previous honorees as Gatorade NPOY includes names such as Peyton Manning, Emmitt Smith and Jeff George. The list also includes Matt disrespected Barkely (won the award in his junior season), who hasn't really done all that much considering the talent he was surrounded with at Southern Cal.
All that said, it's still a big deal. As noted above Malcolm is the first Bruin recruit to win this award. As excited as we all are about him, what I am even more excited is listening to him, he comes as as the perfect Bruin in the mold of ATV. Keeping my fingers crossed, Malcolm experiences the same level of success as our current senior captain both on and off the field starting next year at UCLA.
GO BRUINS.
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I'm glad we are recruiting...
…good people, not just good football players. I can’t wait to see Malcolm in true blue and gold.
When we do get that good combo of good player and good people
UCLA tends to have kids gravitate into being solid pros.
"If you don't take out his battery, he's going to keep going all day."
Yes
But, Foster didn’t make the impact he should of. Too lazy, saving it for the pros was my guess.
A Heisman candidate is not impactful?
Are you serious?
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
We will need a credible response for him
Otherwise, this will be a classic example of kind of BS don’t want to see around BN.
Go back and watch him play...
Tell me if with his talent, he was putting it all on the field?
Other Bruin running backs of his era played harder/ more consistantly. Don’t forget, his senior year was a mess with the entire SUV incident. He had the ability to carry the team in a Gerhart type fashion, but that happened way too infrequently.
The burden is on you, not MexiBruin
The burden is on you. You questioned the heart and effort Foster put in as a Bruin on the field. You called him lazy. It is up to you back it up.
The SUV incident doesn’t prove anything in terms of Foster for being lazy or that he didn’t give everything on the field. Looks like you were making things up.
PS: don’t lecture us on how we should be moderating BN.
What evidence do you have for attacking Foster as "lazy"?
He was in Heisman contention until he got swiped out his senior year after being ratted out by a Trojan (for doing something that pales in comparison to alleged benefits given to Bush and others). He was a legit Heisman candidate and has rushed for over 1,100 yards despite missing the season ending games.
He had a fantastic freshmen season. He was a first team freshman All American. Foster finished the year with 673 yards, the most ever by a UCLA true freshman. He was the first true freshman to lead the team in rushing since Skip Hicks in 1993 and the first true freshman since Hicks to rush for over 100 yards twice in the same season. On the year, he was the team’s leading rusher with his 673 yards and averaged a team-best 5.3 yards per attempt. He ranked second on the team with 12 touchdowns (10 rushing and two receiving), a new school record for true freshmen
He got hurt pretty bad his second year with a high ankle sprain but still put up solid numbers despite being out most of the year (375 yards and 6 TDs). Again he was badly hurt.
In his junior year, he was a first-team All-Pac-10 by the league’s coaches despite missing one game and most of a second due to a broken bone in his right hand which hindered him for the remainder of the season. He led the Bruins in rushing with 1,037 yards, running for at least 100 yards on four occasions. He also led the team with 13 touchdowns and 78 points.
So, what evidence do you have showing Foster was lazy? Because right now your comment is going to stand out as as dumb as another recent comment here on BN, when someone try to advance the argument that Darren Collison was not a “go to guy” for Howland?
You want to take it back or are you going to keep attacking Foster as lazy?
Good post, Nestor
He sure wasn’t lazy when he ran for 300+ over Coach Neu’s Huskies.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 11, 2009 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
Great game!
With that talent, wouldn’t you expect more every other game? I’m not saying he was horrible, barely showed up, just saying his effort was not as much as I would have liked to see.
Great logical reasoning
So he rushed for 300+ yards against the Huskies, that means we should have expected more in other games.
Do you realize MJD also had a massive 300+ yard game against the Huskies too? So by your reasoning should we question his heart, effort and call him lazy for not exploding in every game including the ones against Southern Cal?
MJD carried us the entire year....
In my mind, MJD gave 100%. Foster as great as he was, never did that. Yes I knew they both had huge games against Washington, watched each of their performances.
Can I “prove that”, of course not. I just had higher expectations of Foster. Rough figure, 80-90% is what we got out of Foster, based on what he did early in his career. Coaching was probably more to blame than the kid. Others also claimed in his Senior year he coasted a bit not to get injured. Exact source, don’t remember, but was probably on sports talk.
Anyway, this really isn’t relevant to the thread or topic. I just responded to say that yes, Foster was a faster back. Haven’t seen Malcolm play yet in person or against Pac-10 caliber speed, but on film he doesn’t seem as quick.
Don't ever attack Bruins based on "others" & "sportstalk"
You still have not proven anything to show Foster didn’t give 100 percent at UCLA. As you noted in your comment you accused Foster of being lazy based on your “mind.”
Just like MJD carried us his junior season, Foster was also doing the heavy lifting for UCLA in his senior season, until UCLA suspended him for infractions that pale in comparison to allegations surrounding the most decorated Trojan stars during Carroll’s reign.
Foster’s production was impacted due to his injuries which kept him out of games. That had nothing to do with his worth ethic. He accused him of being lazy and it’s clear you just don’t have anything to back it up.
You cannot come here and attack anyone associated with UCLA by making stuff up. You wrote:
Others also claimed in his Senior year he coasted a bit not to get injured. Exact source, don’t remember, but was probably on sports talk.
Who are these “others”? If you ever attack our players and alums based on observations from “others” and “sports talk” you will be gone. If you do that again here, you will be gone because we don’t need to see that baseless, asinine observations at this place.
Rushing touchdown
Am I right that until Foster scored a rushing touchdown in that game against UW the Huskies had not allowed a rushing touchdown all year? But I remember the rushing touchdown though—Foster hit, I assume a line backer, and the the guy was knocked flat on his back. All the people around me near tunnel 3 gasped, “O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oh!” And then the Rose Bowl went crazy—utterly stark raving crazy and with good reason—Foster cleaned the linebacker’s clock. Of all the rushing touchdowns I have seen in person over the decades—for me it is the most memorable in terms of sheer power—a one on one collision and the Bruins won.
But let’s be candid, Foster later in his senior year could not help his team when he ended up off the field because of the NCAA violation. That’s not an issue of laziness and not putting out—its a question of failing to adhere to NCAA and UCLA standards; which saddens me and a lot of other Bruins.
Yes!
Exactly as a Freshman, was that same fire there the following three years? Granted Toledo’s program was falling apart slowly over the same period.
Uh no
What evidence do you have that shows Foster was “lazy”? Foster’s number were impacted due to missing games from injuries. That has nothing to with lazy. Given that you are not backing up your claims. So again on what basis did you assert Foster was lazy? Do you have any specific event you can point to show Foster was lazy? Right now it looks like you were either making things up or lying to insult Foster.
game breaker
the only fault i ever saw with foster was his attempts to break the long run instead of taking 2-3yds. questions regarding his effort, heart or work ethic are …. ludicrious! really , the man was a baller and came to play every game. i consider foster one of many great backs to wear the blue n gold! i’m still ticked we lost him during his senior year while others have been allowed escape punishment for more serious infractions.
Different argument
It seems to me that this “fault” was one of trying too hard, rather than being lazy. It is a valid point, but does not support an accusation of laziness.
Just because an athlete does not reach his or ceiling, does not mean that they were lazy. DF had injury problems that followed him into the NFL. He was a big, upright runner that absorbed A LOT of impact. Yes, he was fumble prone, but that was usually a result of his unwillingness to go down.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 11, 2009 1:47 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
Circa 2000, courtesy of: http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/foster_deshaun00.html
In the season opener against Alabama, he enjoyed one of the greatest games in UCLA history while carrying the football 42 times to tie the school record set by Karim Abdul-Jabbar in 1995. He was at his best in the fourth quarter as UCLA was protecting its 35-24 lead, carrying the ball on 12 of the team’s 16 offensive plays (excluding a final kneel by the quarterback) for 59 yards and three key first downs. On the afternoon, Foster rushed for a career-high 187 yards and three touchdowns (his previous high was 118 yards at Arizona in 1998). His total was the highest since the 1997 Bruin opener when Skip Hicks rushed for 190 at Washington State. Foster carried the ball 21 times for 93 yards in the first half and 21 times for 94 yards in the second half. He had five double-digit runs and produced 12 first downs. In the win over Fresno State, he carried the ball 29 times for 140 yards and two touchdowns. For the second straight week, he converted a fourth-down play into a touchdown and his 49-yard tackle-breaking, change of direction TD run with 8:49 remaining was his longest since his 65-yard score in the 1998 USC game. In the win over the then No. 3 Wolverines, he carried the ball 24 times for 95 net yards and his sixth touchdown of the season. In the second half, he gained 83 yards on 16 attempts, including a five-yard touchdown in the third quarter. In the final 15 minutes, he carried the ball eight times for 54 yards, including a 29-yard run on UCLA’s game-winning touchdown drive
This doesn’t describe a “Lazy” player. He carried our team and was a workhorse in every way.
Texas game
What is the date of the game in Austin? I heard it was Sept. 18th, but then UT has scheduled Texas Tech for that date. Any updates on that?
by LouisianaBruins on Dec 11, 2009 9:00 AM PST reply actions
Link?
All the Texas schedules I have looked at show UCLA on September 18th. Althugh I have heard rumors about Texas Tech moving into the September 18 slot, I have not seen anything official.
by orlandobruin on Dec 11, 2009 10:08 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah. I've been keeping my eye on it . . .
. . . because I plan to travel to that one, as do many other Bruins I know.
by orlandobruin on Dec 11, 2009 3:07 PM PST up reply actions
This is awesome for obvious reasons
but what gets me most excited is that he seems like such a solid kid. Get the feeling he’s going to be a huge performer AND LEADER for the program.
Welcome to Westwood Malcolm!
You’re going to love it here.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
Actually he would be the 2nd Gatorade POY
I think Carlton Gray was actually the 1st Gatorade POY that we got back in ’88 or ’89. I was a student trainer and C Gray started as a freshman and was a all around stud!!!
I remember Carlton really well
He was incredibly just like ATV. Was he a national Gatorade POY or State POY?
Congratulations Malcolm!
I am looking forward to seeing Malcolm lead the Bruins. He sounds like a well rounded young man. This recruiting class is looking very impressive. RN is bringing in young men that are both strong on the football field as well as the classroom. Good luck to Malcolm in the championship game tonight.
Malcolm was a freshman my senior year at Oaks
I’ll never forget when he ran back a pick 6 against cardinal newman in the state championship…right then I knew he was gonna be special, but assumed he would follow his brother to SC someday. Well, I’m glad I was wrong : )
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Can't Help But Be Excited About This Guy
Sounds like he has all the tools to succeed in the classroom as well as on the field.
Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!
by Minnesota Bruinfan on Dec 11, 2009 10:17 AM PST reply actions
Seems 100% committed to us
by his comments. Doubt there is any worry catching him wearing SUC gear at any Bruin functions.
BTW, speaking of Jefferson, I have followed him a bit down here in SD. He is a much better running back prospect than he is safety (which is where I believe we were looking at putting him), hence with Jones and James coming on board, I don’t think this is a big loss for us at all.
"I don't forget very much" Rick Neuheisel, 11/28/09
I think Jefferson was looking for a reason...
…to get out of his committment to UCLA while “saving face.” I disagree with his methods, but he made it seem like UCLA pushed him out by wearing SUC gear, rather than the other way around. I’m glad he won’t be a Bruin.
You're absolutely right
we lost Jefferson long before the SUC game. He expected to get harassed, and he was (rightfully so). Had he not gotten harrassed, he probably would’ve come off and said that we had no pride and would’ve decommitted on those grounds. Arrogant move on his part. I believe we’ll be better off without him.
"I don't forget very much" Rick Neuheisel, 11/28/09
WELCOME TO UCLA MALCOM...
how many days till fall football anyway?…lol
by bruincheerleader on Dec 11, 2009 2:45 PM PST reply actions
Also great to see
Neuheisel breaking some of the strongholds Cheaty Petey has at top prep schools. Oaks Christian has been an $C player factory for a while, but we just came in and signed possible the best prospect in that school’s history. Up next, Mater Dei.
Stick around
Malcolm:
Congratulations, all we ask is win and stick around long enough to get a batchelor’s degree. You have the opportunity to be the among the best—Jackie Robinson, Gary Beban, Arthur Ashe, Kareem Jabbar, John Wooden, Al Scales and many more.
Sincerely,
The hundreds of thousands who wear Blue!
Only one thing I disagree with Malcolm Jones
Regarding big-time colleges, I believe UCLA is a big-time college. Otherwise, sounds like a great kid to watch help the program.
UCLA IS a big time college.
However, we haven’t been lighting it up on the football field as of late. We’ve been hanging out in the bottom half of the PAC-10 recently. With that in mind, it is not unfair to say we have not been a big time football school in recent history. Looking forward, we certainly have the potential to put ourselves in that upper echelon, especially with kids like Malcolm who want to make it that.
by Captain Leebeard on Dec 12, 2009 2:19 AM PST up reply actions
my only concern is
What about all the other talent at RB? Who is going to be the front-runner? I personally think we should use different backs in different packages like we were doing this year. What about CR??
My thoughts too...
I wonder if any of the other backs will be asked to become receivers or DBs….
Boy I hope Malcolm Jones becomes the hall of fame Bruin – it seems he has the gifts.
I also question the characterization of UCLA not being a big-time college…. last time I checked we had won more national championships than any other college.
Go Malcolm. Go Bruins.
I hope Coach Neuheisel uses Jones in the same package that Harbaugh used Gerhart
We haven’t had a big impact, big production back in a long time, I guess since Jones-Drew. This kid looks like he could be the type of guy who could be another Skip Hicks, Eric Ball, Gaston Green type.
I hope he understands that his press clippings won’t mean much unless he learns to block. He could ask some of the current freshmen how much that means to Coach Neuheisel and Coach Chow.
The talent in the backfield...
is, I think, a little overrated. We have a crowded backfield, certainly, but it’s not the kind of thoroughbred stable they have at South Central (unfortunate though that fact is). I don’t think you can look at our lineup of running backs and say that any of them has the ceiling of the two guys we are bringing in (James/Jones).
That said, I think they probably don’t make a huge impact this next year. Franklin probably (as he should) gets the first look, and if he bulks up a little and learns to hold on to the football, he’s probably the choice. Ramirez is out of the picture, I think. Knox probably keeps getting looks at wildcat and probably backs up Franklin, Thigpen, I don’t even know. Punt returns, hopefully.
by Captain Leebeard on Dec 12, 2009 2:35 AM PST up reply actions
Jones is in a battle with Serra's Robert Woods
It’s in OT in the CIF championship game, both teams 13-0 and tied at 35 after regulation… Jones has 295 yards and 4 TDs
Easy money and faithless women, red-eye whiskey for the pain...
And Serra wins in OT
42-41… Jones put the Lions ahead with a TD in OT, but they failed on the conversion, allowing Serra to win on the next possession with a TD and successful PAT.
Easy money and faithless women, red-eye whiskey for the pain...
wow
great game from Jones it sounds like. Can’t blame him for not giving his all, and those numbers have me excited. If he put up that many in a playoff game against the best high school teams than it bodes well for his ability to at least contribute right away.
sounds like a great kid too.
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