D1 Dawg: Baker’s Rasean Jones receiving college offers ahead of junior year of high school
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – It’s few and far between to see a high school football player in Oregon receive attention from Division 1 schools outside of the Portland-metro area.
While Andrew Peasley from La Grande made headlines in 2018 by committing to a Division 1 school, it’s even more uncommon to witness such recognition in Northeast Oregon. However, Baker City is currently experiencing this rarity.
Baker’s Rasean Jones, who’s only heading into his junior year, has already received three scholarship offers from big-time football programs from around the Northwest: Boise State, Oregon State and Washington State. He’s consistently ranked by statewide and national recruiters as one of the top wide receivers in the state and one of the top football prospects.
Last season, in which the Bulldogs won the Greater Oregon league and made it to the first round of the playoffs, Jones had 74 receptions for nearly 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. This past season he was named First-Team All State.
“It’s been surreal but also motivating for me to work harder when I receive these offers,” said Jones. “I appreciate these programs recognizing my hard work. The attention just makes me want to work harder to be better every day.”
Football isn’t the only sport where Jones is receiving attention. On top of coming off starting for the Baker boys basketball squad that won the 4A state title this year (playing for his dad Jebron, who’s the head coach), Jones is also the top hurdler in the state.
In his first two years of high school, Jones has won four state track titles. His freshman year he won titles in the 110 meter and 300 meter hurdles. He not only repeated as state champion in the two events this year as a sophomore, but also set the Class 4A state record in both events. He says he’s also receiving interest from colleges just in track alone.
This week, Jones is busy preparing for the Les Schwab Bowl, a showcase of the top high school football players in the state. The game will be played on June 28 at Lewis & Clark College in Portland. He’s the only one of two players from east of the Cascades to make the roster and was also invited to play last year.
“It’s a cool experience to be out here with the best of the best, competing and having a good time,” Rasean said. “I know a lot of these guys from last year and from different football camps so it’s been really fun practicing this year.”
When asked what it’s like being a blue-chip recruit from a small Eastern Oregon town who will most certainly receive many more college offers before graduating high school, Jones says his faith and his family keep him humbled but also determined.
“Everything I do is because of my family and the Lord. God blessed me with athletic ability and I put in the work to make something of it,” he said. “I just want to continue to work hard, have fun and enjoy the ride.”
