'Wisconsin just got a great one': 4 reasons 4-star football recruit Dilin Jones is special

MADISON – Based on recruiting rankings Dilin Jones is the score of the offseason for the Wisconsin head football coach Luke Fickell and his staff.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound rising senior running back from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, is one of two Badger commits who, as of Sunday, are considered four-star prospects by 247sports, Rivals, ESPN and On3 (Grant Stec, a tight end from Algonquin, Illinois, is the other).

Jones’ decision to play for Wisconsin highlights an exceptional month of recruiting for the Badgers. Five of the program’s six July commitments have received four-star status by at least one of the major recruiting sites.

The number of stars behind a player’s name doesn't guarantee success, though Jones' status is supported by 31 scholarship offers from programs that poured over his game tape.

Special? You bet said Good Counsel coach Andy Stefanelli.

“He’s different,” Stefanelli said. “Wisconsin just got a great one I can promise you that.”

Here are four reasons Jones will prove his coach right.

Dilin Jones is relentless

That is how Stefanelli describes Jones. If you watch Jones' highlight tape, you understand why the coach feels that way. Jones, who averaged about 9 yards per carry last season, broke a lot of long runs. Most were the result of his ability to maneuver between the tackles.

Wisconsin could have a void in the backfield after this season. Senior Chez Mellusi is set to complete his eligibility and junior Braelon Allen could opt for the NFL draft rather than return for his senior season.

In addition to Jones' ability to run between the tackles, his blocking skills could also help him get on the field quickly. He is more than a willing performer in that aspect of the game.

“He’s as college ready in that area as I’ve ever seen,” Stefanelli said. “He’s really good at it and he likes it.”

More: Dilin Jones junior season highlights

Jones is an athlete for all seasons

If you want to stress the value of being a multi-sport athlete look no further than Jones. He also wrestles for Good Counsel, finishing third at the conference meet at 175 pounds last season, and competes in track and field as primarily a thrower though he also ran sprints.

Stefanelli believes Jones’ work as a wrestler proved beneficial in his development as a blocker.

Jones also dabbled in soccer, a skill that he used to star in the football team’s annual preseason challenge against the school’s highly-regarded girls soccer team.

“We’re really bad and we get beat (usually) by four or five goals, but last year Dilin scored two of our three and we actually won, which really irritated the girls,” Stefanelli said. “I said if football doesn’t work out, you’ve got a future with the D.C. United.”

Imagine the strides Jones’ game will make by focusing his offseason on preparing for one sport.

Jones knows how to lock in

Compared to other highly-sought after recruits, Jones’ recruitment was relatively uneventful. His only official visit was to Wisconsin and, according to his recruiting timeline on 247sports, he only made unofficial visits to two other programs: Maryland and Penn State.

Why? His status as a three-sport athlete kept him busy and when Jones commits to something he is fully invested.

“Other kids would reschedule something else to go on a visit, Dilin doesn’t do that,” Stefanelli said. “He just doesn’t miss what he’s committed to.”

While there are physical benefits to being a multi-sport athlete, there could also be a a mental benefit for someone who will have to balance all the demands of being a Division I athlete.

Jones' commitment to his teams made it difficult sometimes for college coaches to reach him. When some coaches contacted Stefanelli for help reaching Jones, Stefanelli make a point to tell them not to take Jones' silence an indication of lack of interest. He was just really busy.

“Honestly to Wisconsin's credit, (co defensive coordinator) Colin Hitschler, who recruits our area did a great job,” Stefanelli said. “He understood when I told him that and I think he kept it low key, but stayed with it and didn’t get discouraged and I think that might have had an impact on Dilin.”

More: A list of 2024 recruits for the Wisconsin Badgers football team; latest: Dilin Jones

Good Counsel products produce

Good Counsel's track record of producing top players is better than most schools. Five players from the program played in the NFL last season, including Buffalo star receiver Stefon Diggs. The school's 2024 class has already produced seven Division I recruits, including four who are four-star players.

“In our league and with the competition we play outside of our conference, he’s going against Division I-level players week in and week out,” Stefanelli said about Jones. “We have to scheme. It’s just a little different.”

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 4 reasons 4-star Wisconsin football recruit Dilin Jones is special