Notre Dame Target Jonathan Jones Shines At International Bowl

Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge three-star linebacker Jonathan Jones is one of Notre Dame’s top remaining targets ahead of National Signing Day Feb. 3. While he might not have the most stars next to his name compared to some of the other names on the board, he showed on Sunday why the Irish want him in South Bend so badly.

Jones had a team-high four tackles and a sack for the U.S. Under-19 National Team in the International Bowl against Canada. It was a performance that was highlighted by his ability to apply pressure from the edge.

Early in the second quarter, Jones came on a free release from his weakside linebacker position and put the quarterback in the turf. It was a play that mirrored his sack late in the fourth quarter which helped preserve USA’s 33-0 shutout.

Jones also displayed the ability to get in the backfield and wrap up the running back.

The 6-0, 207-pound Jones, who is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 19 inside linebacker in the country, is down to just Notre Dame and Michigan after eliminating Duke and UCF. He’ll announce a decision on National Signing Day, but the Irish appear to be in good shape.

“It’s down to Notre Dame and Michigan, the two powerhouses,” Jones told Rivals.com last week. “At least I think they are two of the biggest powerhouses out there, both educationally and on the football side of things. I really like those schools due to their life after football aspect.”