Last season’s Freshman Player of the Year avoided any type of sophomore slump, and is a repeat winner after helping lead the Dragons to a WACC-Foothill league title, NCS Division 3 title, and CIF 5-AA title.

For the year, Jones ran for 1,967 yards and 27 touchdowns, including a season-high 240-yard rushing performance in the CIF NorCal regional win over Capital Christian. He added a three-touchdown effort in the CIF title game win over Valley View. The sophomore back was also effective out of the backfield as a receiver, with 22 catches for 234 yards and two scores.

“He’s a great player, just a great player,” said Bishop O’Dowd coach Napoleon Kaufman. “He’s our bell cow and we love him.”

Having completed two seasons at the varsity level, Jones has already rushed for 3,337 yards and 39 touchdowns. The sky seems to be the limit for this young protégé of Kaufman, who was an all-state running back for Lompoc High before playing six years in the NFL.

“From a competitive standpoint, he reminds me a lot of myself,” Kaufman added. “He’s a fiery competitor.”

Other players considered for this award: Rancho Cotate’s Elias Rantissi, Freedom’s Giles Jackson, Analy’s Anthony Lepori, and Pittsburg’s Jacob Bandes.