Huntington football's Yasir Jones is Newsday's Athlete of the Week
Huntington's Yasir Jones rushed for 267 yards and four TDs against Newfield on Oct. 30. Credit: David Meisenholder
Yasir Jones's hard work and dedication set the tone for the Huntington football team.
"He's not the type of kid who will be in your face, but he will get you motivated by his elite level of play," coach Ronald Wilson said. "Once he gets his engine going, everyone else feeds off that positive energy, and that's how we get things rolling on the field."
Wilson praised the running back's maturity and growth that he has seen throughout Jones' high school career.
"Not only is he a great athlete, but he's a great team player," Wilson said. "He doesn't take criticism personally. His maturity, not just as a player but as a young man, has improved a lot."
At the beginning of the season, Jones was recognized by the New York Jets as the High School player of the week for his performance against Half Hollow Hills East, where he rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns and forced a fumble. He received a $1,000 donation from the Jets and Gatorade to support the Blue Devils football program.
"My coach (Wilson) always told me I could be great," the running back said. "I've been grinding since day one, since my first day of high school, and the goal has always been to reach for the sky."
His hard work paid off.
Despite the rainy weather conditions, the Newsday Athlete of the Week rushed for 267 yards and four TDs on 18 carries to lead the Blue Devils to a 34-21 victory past Newfield in a Suffolk II matchup last Thursday.
"It was nasty outside, it was cold, my cleats were heavy, but I knew I couldn't back out," the senior said. "I told my coaches this is the game where I go for 200, and when I scored my first touchdown, everything else fell in place."
You won't just find Jones rushing for touchdowns. He also runs track in the winter for the Huntington track team, which is also coached by Wilson, saying that running track helps him prepare for the football season.
"It helps me keep my speed and stay in shape," Jones said. "I'm always ready for the football season because I'm already in shape."
In addition to his performances on the field, Jones participated in Huntington's food drive, where they distribute food and toiletries to those in need. He also became a mentor to the younger athletes on the team by giving them rides home, helping them with their workouts during practice, and offering advice.
"I love the younger guys," Jones said. "I don't want anything in return. It means a lot to know that I'm making a difference in people's lives."
Huntington will face the sixth-seeded North Babylon in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, and Jones is ready for the postseason to take the Blue Devils (6-2) where they need to be.
"We're all on the same page," Jones said. "We're going to try to maintain their run and stop them the best we can."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
