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David Beaty was just saying on Monday that special teams’ success needs to be a significant part of turning around the Kansas football program. On Tuesday night, Beaty secured an oral commitment from one of the top high school kickers in the 2017 class shortly after offering him a full scholarship.
Liam Jones of Choctaw High School (Choctaw, OK) committed to the Jayhawks via Twitter:
Today I verbally committed on full scholarship to Kansas University! #RockChalk #JayCrew17 @ChoctawDNA @KU_Football pic.twitter.com/an41Jwg8l9
— Liam Jones (@liamjoneess) August 10, 2016
Jones is not currently ranked by any of the major recruiting services, but if you check out websites that are specifically geared toward kickers, the reviews will blow you away.
ChrisSailerKicking.com ranks Jones as the 15th best Division 1 prospect, while KohlsKicking.com ranks him #12 and says this:
He is one of the best FG kickers in his class. He won the Texas Showcase in May of 2016 and seemed stronger than he's been at previous camps. The talented lefty can kick and punt. His FG are college ready.
Kickingworld.com calls Jones “one of the best kickers in the Class of 2017” and adds:
His field goals (off the ground) are rock solid and I’ve seen him hit 60 yarders! He can also punt fairly well. Liam’s ability is top-notch and he is someone you need to get on campus for a visit early. He’s a good kid with a great attitude and is willing to put the time in to master his craft. He will be playing at a big FBS football school; no doubt in my mind. Scholarship worthy.
Let’s check out some highlights!