UPDATE: Edgewater offensive lineman Ben Jones has received an invitation to participate in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl, set to take place on December 21, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Jones, who has proven himself as a key player in Edgewater’s undefeated season.
Jones, previously known as Ben Bankowitz, officially changed his name to honor his stepfather, Eric Jones. This week, he expressed his gratitude for the accolade, stating, “It feels really good. I try to not think about it too much, just give the glory to God, but it does feel really good.” His humility shines through, despite the remarkable achievement.
Currently, Edgewater holds an impressive 9-0 record and is the champion of Class 7A, District 5. The Eagles are gearing up for a crucial matchup against undefeated Boone High School on October 30, 2023, in the highly anticipated Barrel Game rivalry. “We’re not close to done. In our minds, we still got six more games,” Jones emphasized, highlighting the team’s commitment to continued success.
Jones has been a stalwart on the offensive line since his freshman year, demonstrating skill and technique that have earned him a spot among the top offensive linemen in Florida. He attributes much of his development to former Edgewater offensive line coach Chris Jamison, as well as current coaches Shermane TeArt and Kenny Thomas. “Technique is one of the most pivotal components of being an offensive lineman,” Jones explained. “When you work on technique in practice and then put it into the game, good things happen.”
At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Jones is known for his agility and quick feet, making him a formidable presence on the field. He has committed to play at Appalachian State, where he plans to transition to a different position on the offensive line. His decision was influenced by the recruitment efforts of Mountaineers offensive line coach Allen Mogridge, who has a history in Central Florida.
“I’m locked in,” Jones stated about his commitment to App State. “They are building something special up there and Coach Mo is the realest coach I have talked to.” The culture of the team and coaching staff played a pivotal role in his decision, as he believes they are among the best in the country.
Jones also praised first-year coach Patrick Browning for his leadership and impact on the team. “I don’t have enough good words to say about Coach Browning and how much he has helped me and all my teammates,” he said, underscoring the close-knit bond among the players.
The Eagles’ remarkable season has also been fueled by the players’ commitment to unity in the wake of change. Following the resignation of former head coach Cameron Duke, players rallied together, demonstrating resilience during a challenging transition period. “We had team meetings and we talked every day about how we had to have the whole team stay on track during the offseason,” Jones noted, reflecting on the team’s dedication.
As Edgewater aims to maintain its undefeated status, the spotlight now shines brightly on Ben Jones, who is not just a player but a testament to hard work and dedication. With the Army All-American Bowl on the horizon, all eyes will be on him as he continues to make waves in the world of high school football.
Stay tuned for more updates as Jones prepares for the upcoming game against Boone and the All-American Bowl.
