Marshall Jones Joins USC Trojans

By Jeff Flinn, NFLHS.com

Marshall Jones says he has known all along that Southern Cal was the school for him.

"I have always wanted to go there ever since I was little," said the Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian free safety. "I just love the environment of the school and the campus."

It doesn't hurt that he joins a long line of successful impact players at the position for the Trojans -- a list that includes current NFL standout Troy Polamalu.

Nor does it hurt that the USC coaching staff promotes a wide-open, physical style of play.

"I love Pete Carroll, and I love that fast pro-style defense they play," he said. "That caught my attention, of course."

According to Jones, he and USC are a perfect match.

"I bring a fast style of play and speed in the secondary, so hopefully I'll fit right in," he said.

Jones runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds, and has been timed at 10.6 in the 100 meters, fast enough to draw recruiting interest from many schools scouting him for track and field.

As a junior, Jones was the only non-senior selected to the All-CIF Southern section team after recording five interceptions and 71 tackles on defense to go along with 13 offensive touchdowns.

He carried the ball 47 times for 486 yards for an average of 10.3 yards per attempt and scored 10 rushing touchdowns, while catching 23 passes for 407 yards and three more touchdowns.

His senior year, Jones intercepted six passes and recorded 94 tackles (62 solo).

Offensively he rushed 87 times for 696 yards (8.0 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns, while catching 22 passes for 297 yards and four more scores.

During his high school career, Jones has been no stranger to winning. Over his last three seasons at Oaks Christian, he -- along with tailback Marc Tyler (also headed to USC) and Notre Dame-bound quarterback Jimmy Clausen -- enjoyed a perfect 36-0 record.

Being accustomed to such success, Jones would appear a natural to fit in at Southern Cal, which has averaged 12 wins a season over the last five years.

Joining a recruiting class rated to be among the top five in the nation, Jones says the future looks bright.

"We have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, so I expect good things," he said.

In addition to the USC football program, Jones says he is eager to begin attending classes.

"It's not just the football," he said, "I also can get a top-notch education and a degree from Southern Cal, so that was a very important consideration."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.