Joshua Jones Q&A

Cats Illustrated is reaching out to a number of Kentucky's Class of 2020 commitments to catch up to speed on the latest happenings in their high school seasons and to find out if everything is going according to plan before the early signing period.

To that end, we caught up with three-star (5.7 Rivals Rating) offensive lineman Joshua Jones of Phenix City (Ala.) Central to find out the latest.

Ranked the No. 58 offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 31 prospect in the talent-rich state of Alabama, Jones has been committed to Kentucky since June.

Here's most of our recent conversation with Jones.

CI: How's your season going and where are you guys at right now?

Jones: It's going great. We're in the state semifinal against Auburn on Friday.

CI: And how do you feel like you've played this season? How would you assess your play?

Jones: I've played real good. I haven't come out with that senior film yet but it's coming.

CI: Kentucky's coaches are probably happy about that right?

Jones: Yeah, that's right (laughing).

CI: For people who don't know or might not really check in until a guy enrolls, what kind of player is Kentucky getting in you? How would you describe the strengths that make you a prospect that UK's coaches wanted?

Jones: A physical player. I'm never going to give up on the block. I'm going to finish all my blocks. I'm a good all-around athlete.

CI: Have you played any other sports in the past?

Jones: I played basketball my ninth grade year.

CI: And how big would you say you are right now?

Jones: About 6'6, 300 on the dot.

CI: What position have you been playing for your high school?

Jones: Tackle ... Right tackle.

CI: My understanding is Kentucky sees you as somebody who could play guard or tackle, either spot. Is that right?

Jones: That's right, tackle or guard.

CI: Do you have a preference?

Jones: I would prefer tackle.

CI: When was the last time you were up at Kentucky?

Jones: My last time was for my official visit. I believe that was back in June. But I''m planning on being up there for the Louisville-Kentucky game.

CI: But have you been staying in touch with other guys in the class when or how you can?

Jones: Oh yes, definitely. I"m in touch with Justin (Rogers), John (Young), and a couple more guys.

CI: How are you feeling about the play of the offensive line this year? Recently they were named a finalist for an award given to the top offensive line in college football.

Jones: They're playing amazing, and yes, I saw that. That's my game. I like it when we're running the ball and they really can't pass the ball right now because of the quarterback situation.

CI: What kind of offense does your high school run?

Jones; It's pretty much balanced.

CI: So it's probably good preparation in some ways for the next level?

Jones: Yes, I would say so.

CI: Since you committed to Kentucky have other schools continued to come after you? Has it picked up or died off?

Jones: Oh it's been a major back off. Since I've committed I haven't been getting no attention from any other schools. I've been real solid.

CI: And you've probably been staying in a lot of contact with the UK staff, right?

Jones: Yes, that's right. Coach (Derrick) LeBlanc of course. Coach (Eddie) Gran, Coach (John) Schlarman, and also Coach (Mark) Stoops.

CI: Assuming Coach LeBlanc is your area coach, right? And what are your thoughts on him and the relationship you guys have?

Jones: Oh he's a real good guy, and yes. He reminds me a lot of my father. Just one of those laid back guys who's going to let you know what you gotta do to get to that next level.

CI: This is close to the time of year when coaches are going to be flying around doing a bunch of in-homes. Do you know their plans for that?

Jones: They haven't told me who's coming but I know Coach Gran mentioned he's coming. I know Coach Gran will be there and of course Coach LeBlanc and Coach Stoops.

CI: With Kentucky winning 10 games last year and having a better conference record recently have you noticed the program's reputation changing around your parts, right down in the heart of SEC country?

Jones: It's crazy. When I see people in school rocking Kentucky hoodies you know it's getting bigger. It is.

CI: Are you definitely signing in the early period?

Jones: Yes, I'm signing early but I'm not going to be enrolling early.

CI: As far as the depth chart situation, when you get up there Landon Young will have one more year at tackle, Darian Kinnard has two more years, and there's going to be some change at guard. Has the staff spelled everything out about that to you?

Jones: No sir, none of that yet. I just want to get into college and improve my body, get stronger and more fit so I'm ready to play.