New Madrid star is headed to 'ball at the beach'

The questions on everyone’s mind, as it related to New Madrid County Central High School stud-athlete Jadis Jones over the past year, have always been: Where will he play at the next level, and what sport will he play?

Those have been answered with his announcement this week that:

He is committing to Coastal Carolina University to play football, and

New Madrid County Central High School senior wide receiver Jadis Jones poses for a photo on a visit to Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he recently announced that he will play both football and basketball beginning in the fall of 2024.photo courtesy of Jadis Jones

The Chanticleers are one of three colleges that have told him he can try to be a two-sport athlete and also compete in basketball.

“Coastal Carolina is growing,” veteran New Madrid County Central football coach Tyler Fullhart said of Jones’ choice. “And the fact that they are OK with him doing basketball, as well, it’s a tip of the cap to them, and Jadis both.”

Coastal Carolina was one of nine institutions that Jones was taking under consideration, five of which were recruiting him for football, four for basketball, and three of those (Southeast Missouri State and Murray State) were going to allow him to try and play both sports.

“It’s hard enough to do one sport,” Fullhart said. “But he is gearing up to try and do two.

“It is possible.”

It is.

Back in the day, the University of North Carolina had two-sport stars (football and basketball) in Ronald Curry and Julius Peppers, both of whom eventually had long NFL careers.

“I think that it is great,” Fullhart said of the two-sport challenge. “If he loves basketball enough, and he has the chance to do it, then why not?”

NOW, the question becomes: Where will the Chanticleer coaching staff play Jones on the football field?

“I know for a fact that Coastal Carolina is licking their chops to get him,” Fullhart said. “He has a skill set that you could do several different things with.”

Fullhart utilizes Jones as a wide receiver on offense, as well as a defensive back. But the eighth-year Eagle coach said, “He could play all 11 (positions) on defense, I guarantee you that.”

As a receiver, Jones brings a lot to the football field.

“The first thing that jumps out at you is his physicality,” Fullhart said. “His height, weight, and speed are the first thing that attracts anybody to him.”

Jones, who will be a senior at New Madrid County Central this year, is 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, and according to Fullhart, “runs a 4.6 40 (yard dash).”

“He’s a phenomenal athlete,” Fullhart said. “He’ll do great at whatever he puts his mind to.”

One could envision Jones being immersed 52 weeks a year into a high-level strength and conditioning program and building his body up to play tight end, linebacker, defensive end, etc.

“Obviously,” Fullhart said, “he can catch touchdowns. His hands are massive. His separation is great. His wingspan is good, and his speed is just going to get better. He’s fast now.

“But he could (also) play defense.”

The Chanticleers have won 31 games over the past three seasons (tied for third nationally with Cincinnati, and trailing only Alabama and Georgia) and compete in the Sun Belt Conference in the FBS level of NCAA Division I.

In 2022, Coastal Carolina was nationally ranked in the Top 25 teams for the third consecutive season.

“I think Coastal Carolina got a steal,” Fullhart said. “The kid is 6-5, 200 pounds and runs a 4.6 40. Has straight A’s (in the 2023 spring semester), and has never been in an ounce of trouble. There are so many boxes that get checked with Jadis.

“Coastal Carolina is a great program, a top 25 program. Their coaches have been great. They’ve been fun to talk to. I mean, who wouldn’t want to play football in Myrtle Beach (South Carolina)?”