PROVO — It took a while for Weston Jones to receive a scholarship offer from BYU, but when he did, the decision to accept it over all others was deemed his best course of action.
Jones, from Romeo, Michigan, made his commitment to BYU public in early June, becoming the fourth Cougar commitment for the 2021 signing class. A consensus three-star prospect, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman claimed offers from such schools as Virginia, Indiana, Iowa State and Air Force, among others, before pledging to the BYU coaching staff.
“BYU just has everything I’m looking for — more so than any of the other schools that offered me,” Jones said. “It was just the accumulation of everything BYU has, along with its amazing football program. I’ve always been a BYU fan growing up, so I’m really excited it all worked out.”
According to Jones, 13 programs came forward with offers before BYU did, beginning with an offer from Toledo last summer. More offers followed after his attendance of BYU’s camp in 2019, and as is often the case, the offers provided validation.
“It’s just an amazing feeling knowing you’ll have the chance to play college football,” Jones said.
As for playing football, and specifically along the offensive front, Jones offers a wealth of experience. From the third grade on, he’s been playing football, and unlike a lot of players, all of his time has been spent playing offensive line with few regrets.
“I’ve just always been a really big kid, I guess, and that’s where the big kids play,” Jones said. “So yeah, it’s really all I know and it’s helped me to just focus playing offensive line to become the player I am today.”
Jones first displayed his skills to BYU coaches at the 2019 BYU camps, with Cougars offensive line coach Eric Mateos taking a lot of interest. That attention increased steadily until the Cougars’ staff decided to meet him with a scholarship offer.
Sure, the offers had piled up for Jones by the time BYU offered him during the past spring, and while many of those offers were extremely attractive, none of them matched up completely.
“Both my parents went there, and it’s always been the school I wanted to play for. But seeing BYU up close and learning about everything made it the best choice for me.” — Weston Jones
“From what BYU has to offer with regard to education, environment and football — it was just clearly the best choice for me,” Jones said. “Both my parents went there, and it’s always been the school I wanted to play for. But seeing BYU up close and learning about everything made it the best choice for me.”
Jones has other relatives who attend or attended BYU — namely current BYU tight end Matt Bushman, who is Jones’ cousin.
Jones plans to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at BYU for the 2023 season, where he’ll likely bid for playing time at either center or guard.
“Coach Mateos says he likes me as an interior lineman, and that’s honestly where I feel most comfortable,” Jones said. “I trust coach Mateos completely and he’s another big reason why I committed to BYU. I have a great relationship with him and the players there really speak highly of him. I’m just excited for all the opportunities I have for me at BYU.”