Jones Signs to Play Football for Tennessee Tech

by Chris Tramel

One of the DeKalb County High School Football Tigers' outstanding players signed a letter of intent last week, to play for the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Star tight end and defensive end Evan Jones, signed last Wednesday, trading his black and gold colors for purple and gold.

Jones has played for the Tigers all four of his high school years, and was named to the 1st Team All Region Team this season. During his tenure with the team, the Tigers had back to back seasons going to the state playoffs.

When asked why he had chosen Tennessee Tech, Jones said he has always loved the atmosphere. “I can remember the first time my dad took me to Tennessee Tech, and I just have always loved that campus," Jones said. "Every time me and my dad go to Cookeville, when I was little, I would go, 'Hey, can we go look at Tech's campus?' I would say to him, 'Tell me some stories about your college days,' So, it just felt right for me."

When asked what position he thought he would play with the team, Jones said he was ready for where ever he was placed. "Honestly, I really have no clue what role I'll play. All I know is whatever role they give me, I'll give it everything I've got, and hopefully, eventually, become an important part of the Tennessee Tech football team.”

Jones said that he will always have special memories of his time as a Tiger, but there are some years that stand out. “The most memorable is always going to be your senior year, because that's when you're going to make the most memories. But, I'll always remember my junior and senior years. They were two such great years, and they won't be forgotten. Hopefully the community will remember those years as well."

"It was important to me to prove to myself, and to the community, that DeKalb County isn’t a pushover. We went 3-7 my freshman year and sophomore year, and my junior and senior years we had something to prove. We had chips on our shoulders. That's why it's the most memorable for me."

Jones also thanked his coaches for his time with the Tigers. "I want to thank the coaches, especially Coach Trapp. He's always preaching about affecting people through what you do. It's been engraved in me. I've developed a likeness for wanting to affect people. It's a good feeling."

Tiger Head Coach Steve Trapp said Jones has meant a lot to the team and had high praise for the player and his family. “It’s a good day anytime you see one of your guys have the opportunity to go to the next level and continue to play. We just want these guys to take those experiences they had here at DeKalb County, and take them to the places that they are going."

Coach Trapp continued, "They are going to learn new things, new plays, new schemes, and new ways to do things but with the things these assistant coaches do here, and put these guys through, they're prepared to do that."

"This is the second year in a row we have someone going to Tech, right here close.  I'm really excited for Evan and everything he has meant to this program. He's a good guys, and has a great family, and it's represented in how he carries himself. It's one of the reasons Tennessee Tech was so excited about him.”

Tennessee Tech competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference.