Big Red’s Jones challenging himself, following dreams with Buckeyes

Steubenville High School three-sport standout signs as a preferred walk-on at Ohio State

STEUBENVILLE -- Big Red senior Brenten "Inky" Jones had a lot of options to continue his athletic career.

Wednesday morning, on National Signing Day, he chose the one that is both the biggest challenge and a chance to pursue his dream of wearing the Scarlet and Gray, as he signed with the Ohio State University's football program as a preferred walk-on.

"It was kind of stressful making that decision," Jones admitted of the decision to go the walk-on route. "But I was confident in myself and the work that I put in. I'm confident in taking this route. At first it was difficult deciding what I wanted to do, but once I had conversations with my family, I knew for sure I wanted to go to Ohio State."

Ultimately, the choice to pursue a chance to play for Ohio State, despite scholarship offers from other schools, was one Jones could not pass up after growing up dreaming of being a Buckeye.

"Once they took me into consideration, I couldn't pass up the opportunity," Jones said, surrounded by family all donning gear with the familiar block 'O'. "It means a lot because I have always wanted to go to Ohio State. This is like a dream come true.

"Walking onto the field at Horseshoe the first time is going to be cool. I feel once I do it, it is going to feel kind of like walking into Harding Stadium for the first time as a player. It is something that is all I wanted (growing up), to walk out and see that crowd. It is going to be a great experience."

Though he knows it will be a challenge, he feels being a part of the Big Red program helped prepare him for it.

"They taught me how to make my way up, that nothing is given to you, and if you want something, you've got to fight hard for it," Jones said of the lessons of playing at Big Red. "Being a part of this program definitely prepared me.

"I just want to thank all my friends, family, teammates, coaches for helping me get here. It means a lot to me to make (them) proud."

While Jones was an All-East District, Herald-Star/Daily Times All-Area, Intelligencer All-Valley first team selection and All-Ohio honorable mention as a wide receiver in 2021, he was also a key piece of Big Red's defense and expects to join the Buckeyes as a defensive back.

"I'm going to be defense for sure, corner or safety," Jones said of his conversations with the Buckeyes' coaching staff about his potential role. "They want to see over the summer when I go up there and start lifting how my body develops and they'll make the decision then."

He had an official visit with the Buckeyes during their home game against Oregon this past season, had another visit on Jan. 22 and announced his commitment on Twitter Monday before making it official Wednesday.

Big Red's Hall of Fame head coach Reno Saccoccia said Jones taking on the challenge of being a walk-on with a perennial National Championship contender like Ohio State shows Jones' competitiveness and work ethic, in and out of the classroom.

"Brenten had an opportunity to go to several different schools, and he chose this challenge and his family is behind him 100 percent," Saccoccia said. "I love the fact that he chose this challenge and is going to be going up against the best players to show he is good enough to play with them.

"His whole family, including himself, when you sacrifice giving up full scholarships to chase your dream, it is a challenge and I'm sure he will be up to the challenge and (Ohio State) will be glad they signed him. He's going to be challenged every day. His teammates challenged him here, and they will challenge him there.

"He's a hard worker, both in and out of the class room. He has a 3.7 GPA and played three sports for four years. His time has really went to keeping his body and his mind in shape and that is what I am most proud of him for."

In his senior season, Jones was a big play target for the Big Red squad that went 9-3 and advanced to the second round of the Division III postseason.

He averaged 23.5 yards per catch in the regular season with seven touchdowns, before adding another score in the playoffs to finish with a total of 29 catches for 616 yards.

On defense, where he hopes to play on Saturdays in the near future, Jones intercepted three passes, broke up six passes and had two sacks during the regular season.

He is also a selection for Ohio North-South All-Star game.

Currently, Jones is having a strong senior season as a starter on Big Red's basketball team and runs the 200 and 400 for the Big Red track team.