I honestly think that Waydale Jones is the second most important commit in the class (behind Mike Allen, no offense to Monroe, Burley, Simon etc). I’m that much of a believer, and finding playmakers for the passing game is so, so important. I really like what you see in his highlights – and yes, I understand that it needs to be discounted because of smaller high school classification – but I think he shows some speed, very good ball skills, and a good vertical. He makes all types of plays. Some catch and run. Some over-the-top. He looks fluid and naturally athletic. Regardless of the classification, 1979 yards and 30 TD’s is a monster season.
The athleticism that you see on tape was also backed up by, not one, but two solid Nike Combines last spring. Not blow-the-doors-off type performances, but very good ones, and certainly enough to demonstrate that he’s more than just a product of small school ball.
Wake may have caught a break that UNC landed their #1 January WR target (Beau Corrales). That avoided having to go head-to-head with the Heels for Waydale. But this was someone that I think Vanderbilt wanted badly. Terrific job by the staff to get Waydale’s first visit and come away with the commitment.
Add in the fact that he has a 3.99 GPA. Seems perfect for Wake.
I compare this commitment to landing Arkeem Byrd at the end of last cycle. We need playmakers, and to find them at the end of the cycle is kind of remarkable.