Starting Lineup: Return of Cam Jones should provide real kick for Bulldogs
To recognize the top players in Berks football MikeDragoSports.com has selected the “Starting Lineup,” a preseason All-Berks team that includes the 12 top linemen, backs, receivers, linebackers and specialists.
“Starting Lineup” is presented by GoBigRecruiting.com.
Players were selected based on past performance, expected performance this season and college potential. Two-way players were given special consideration. One player will be introduced each day, in random order (the players are not ranked 1 thru 12). Former NFL lineman and recruiting expert Ross Tucker offers comments on each selection.
Cam Jones, Wilson
| 5-11 | 185 | Senior | WR/CB/KR/LS |
BACKSTORY: The first time Cam Jones touched the football in a high school game he took it all the way back for a touchdown. That came in the final game of his sophomore season, on a punt return. It was a glimpse of what was to come.
As a junior Jones was a dominant force on the field and on his way to becoming one of the most versatile and talented players in program history. He earned All-State honors on the Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 6A All-State team and was the only player in the Lancaster-Lebanon League to earn all-league honors at four spots: He was first team at defensive back, kick returner and Athlete and a second-team pick at wide receiver. He was named Defensive Back of the Year in Section 1 and an All-Berks pick at defensive back.
As seeing his strong play at cornerback as a sophomore, opponents learned not to throw to his side of the field; he has great instincts and a knack for the ball. He also enjoys coming up to make hits on running plays.
By now opponents should’ve learned not to kick to him, either.
He returned seven kicks for touchdowns — three kickoffs, four punts — and incredibly had six other returns to the end zone called back by penalty.
He averaged 31.8 yards on 14 punt returns and 47.5 yards on 10 kickoff returns.
“Cam sees the field better than anyone we’ve ever had,” said Bulldogs coach Doug Dahms. “In the open field, he’s just tough.
“He’s strong, he’s fast and he just knows how to set up his blocks. He understands the scheme, where the kick-out blocks are going to be. He’s patient and he just waits for it (to open). That’s what makes him so good.”
Jones scored 12 touchdowns last season, including two off receptions and three off rushes. He averaged 8.1 yards on 21 carries and 16.9 yards on eight catches.
He relishes the chance to make plays in all facets of the game, especially on special teams.
“Most kids don’t get a chance to make a big play in the game,” he said. “For me to have more than one chance to make that play is amazing.”
ROLE: Jones will take a larger leadership role and is expected to get his hands on the football more as a senior. He’ll see more time at wide receiver, where he could emerge as the Bulldogs’ No. 1 target. He’ll also get plenty of chances to carry the ball from that spot on the Jet Sweep, always a well-executed play in Wilson’s offense.
He’ll continue to play a key role on special teams, as well.
“He’s not going to leave the field much, that’s for sure,” promised Dahms.
COLLEGE PROSPECTS: Jones has received 16 scholarship offers. He has narrowed his list to four — Army, Navy, Richmond and Holy Cross — and plans to announce his choice next weekend.
TUCKER’S TAKE: “Fluid, natural athlete who took the state by storm as a kick and punt returner last year. Cliche to say he could take it the distance every time he touches it, but it felt like he almost did. Incredibly gifted with the ball in his hands with unique ability to stop, start, and make moves in a tight area. Really good cover corner but the Division I schools I have spoken with, such as the academies, want him on offense because they want the ball in his hands. Ideally suited to play slotback in an option offense.”
Starting Lineup 2022
| Cam Jones | Wilson | WR/CB/KR/LS |
| Josiah Jordan | Berks Catholic | HB/CB/KR |
| Ayden Martin | Gov. Mifflin | RB/S |
| Xander Menapace | Hamburg | QB |
| Lucas Palange | Exeter | G/LB/DE |
| Jven Williams | Wyomissing | G/T/DT |
The “Starting Lineup” team was selected by MikeDragoSports.com, with input from Berks coaches and Ross Tucker, co-founder and CEO of GoBigRecruiting.com and a former NFL lineman. Tucker, who played at Wyomissing, has deep contacts throughout college football and remains dialed into Berks football.
After the “Starting Lineup” team has been announced MikeDragoSports.com will present the “Berks Watch List,” which will include 50 more other top players to watch this season.
