MUSTANG- Kaydin Jones thought he would be a playmaker from day one.
The Jenks four-star running back learned from the one he calls “the best” – his father – former OU fullback and Jenks football legend Kejuan Jones.
With early morning workouts, late night runs, and countless trips to college camps, his father helped him hone his skills to prepare for the rigors of life. Oklahoma high school football in the Tulsa metro area.
“I knew right away I was that guy,” Jones said after Jenks’ 45-13 win over Mustang.
“I’ve been attacking defenses and making plays since I played my first game as a freshman. Seeing what I’m doing now is just a testament to all the work I’ve put in.”
Jones left opposing fans impressed in the decisive victory, showing off his talents after joining Jenks from Broken Arrow a year ago.
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The 6-foot, 185-pound running back carried the ball 13 times for 208 yards and three touchdowns. His powerful frame allowed him to break more than two dozen tackles, constantly gaining ground and securing crucial first downs.
With just a few minutes left in the second quarter, head coach Keith Riggs decided Jones’ night was over. He handed over the reins to junior guard Aidan Jordan throughout the second half.
“I think the most impressive thing about Kaydin is his physical and mental maturity,” Riggs said. “As he’s gotten older, that side of his game has really developed. He had a great night tonight, as he usually does, and we hope he continues to produce for us.”
The victory marked Jenks’ second consecutive win at a pivotal point in the season.
After facing Class 6A-I heavyweights like Owasso, Union and six-time defending state champion Bixby, the team suffered heavy losses early on.
The road ahead remains tough, with an upcoming matchup against undefeated Deer Creek.
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“We always knew how good we were – we just couldn’t make it all come together,” Jones said. “Later in the season is when we really start playing our best ball.”
Jones has been on a tear early in his junior season, racking up 837 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns through Week 6. He holds offers from college football’s best Alabama, OU, Tennessee , from the state of Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas. A&M, among others.
However, racking up Division I offers isn’t his only motivation.
Jones is determined to lead the program to a 19th state championship – an honor his father helped achieve three times in the early 2000s.
“I can never be too good,” Jones said. “Being a four-star is cool and all, but I want to be the No. 1 player in the country. I mean I played at UCO at the end of the year and lifted this golden ball, so I will continue to insist on it as long as I am here.
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Do you have a story idea for Jordan? He can be contacted at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Register for The Varsity Club Newsletter to access greater secondary school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoma journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at Subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article was originally published on Oklahoman: Four-star RB Kaydin Jones follows in father’s footsteps at Jenks
