Head coach Demise Loyd needs a leader on offense to bridge a gap at Booker T. Washington this season. The Lions have a new quarterback, Marquis Musco, and are looking to make the Class 2A playoffs after a 4-6 campaign in 2011.
Loyd believes he has just the man to make the transition just a bit smoother -- Arthur Jones.
Dubbed by his head coach as a "playmaker" and a student athlete to "be proud of," the wide receiver will be counted on in several ways this season. "He's very bright kid, a pleasure to coach," Loyd said. At 6-feet tall and 195 pounds, Jones welcomes the challenge. "I do my best on and off the field because it's about the team," said Jones, who will also spend selected snaps at linebacker. Even though the Lions are early in their preseason preparations, Jones said he's off on the right foot with his new quarterback. "Our chemistry is good. We're on the same page," Jones said. "By the time we get to the season, it will be all good. It's getting closer and closer." No. 84 is certainly a target Loyd would like Musco to get familiar with. "We need to get (Jones) the ball early in games," Loyd said. "He's got the ability to create yards after catch with his agility." "I like that plan," said Jones, who believes his speed leads to a good chunk of those yards after catch, or YAC. However, the receiver says he's constantly working to improve his hands, his routes, and the ability to find the end zone -- anything that will help the Lions' offense become more formidable. "It's about scoring those touchdowns to win games for my team," Jones said. "This year I want to be a better all-around receiver." Jones is focused on making the Lions better overall, too. With a 4-1 start, BTW looked playoff bound. However, the team lost its last five games. And while a pair came against District 1-2A's heaviest hitters Evangel and Calvary, Jones doesn't see why the Lions can't improve on their district schedule as a whole. "We have good leaders and better players this year," Jones said. "It's going to happen." Connect with Roy Lang III on Twitter @RoyLangIII.
