Notre Dame Football: Top 5 Impact Freshman
By Andrew Hall
Sep 26, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; CAPTION Bishop Gorman Gaels tight end Alize Jones (8) reaches for an overthrown ball while being covered by St. John Bosco defensive back Traveon Beck (28) during a game at Fertitta Field. Bishop Gorman won the game 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame Football: Impact Freshman #4 – TE Aliz’e Jones
Tight End Aliz’e Jones enters Notre Dame with great expectations. The Bishop Gorman product ranked as the top Tight End according to the 247Sports Composite. Jones has similar expectations to former Notre Dame Tight End Kyle Rudolph who also entered as the top ranked Tight End in the country.
Jones possess great ability in the passing game already. He has a rare combination of size and speed that makes him a tough match-up for defenders. At 6’5″, 240lbs., Jones is too big for the average Cornerback to defend. With an excellent speed, he is likely to fast for Linebackers.
As a Senior at Bishop Gorman, he caught 41 passes for 930 yards with 13 receiving touchdowns.
The Tight Ends are a strange mix. Junior Durham Smythe appears to be the only player who has an ability to operate in the pass and run games. Others, like 5th-year Senior Chase Hounshell and Sophomore Nic Weishar, only posses the ability to do one or the other. So, Aliz’e has great opportunity if he demonstrates a proficiency as a run blocker to add to his talent in the passing game.
Jones will likely appear in obvious passing situations or as the flex Tight End in the slot. Unless he can truly run block, it will tip Notre Dame’s hand when he is on the field. As the season progresses, he may be the starter at Tight End or at least a frequent contributor behind Smythe.
Next: #3 Impact Freshman