Head coach Nick Myers and the Ohio State Buckeyes picked up their first commitment in the 2022 class on Thursday, as Middle Creek, N.C. attackman Tate Jones announced his commitment to the Buckeyes. Jones announced his commitment via Instagram.
“The whole Ohio State brotherhood and atmosphere was huge for me,” Jones told Lacrosse Bucket. “Not to mention how dedicated coach Myers is in his recruitment process from consistent calls to even going over lacrosse with you.”
Ohio State head coach Nick Myers reached out to Jones on September 1st, which was the first day that college coaches were able to contact 2022 recruits. Jones stated that he has had pretty consistent contact with Coach Myers since that September 1st date and has taken a virtual visit with him, which he called “mind blowing.”
While has never been up to Ohio State before, Jones said that he has been to Columbus on multiple occasions and loves the area. He said he plans on taking and official visit as soon as things open back up.
A versatile offensive talent, Jones tallied 28 points (17G/11A) while helping Middle Creek to a 5-0 record before the Coronavirus outbreak cancelled the remainder of the Mustangs’ season. As a freshman in 2019, he tallied 74 points (43G/31A) while helping his Middle Creek team go 18-3 and reach the NCHSAA 4A state semifinals.
Due to Coronavirus cancelling the 2020 spring lacrosse season, Jones said that he has had to do more work on his own. However, he stated that in some ways it has been a blessing in disguise. “I’ve had to do a lot more training on my own and with friends…but it’s definitely helped my game in terms of learning weaknesses and strengths.”
Jones is the third player from the Tar Heel state to commit to a DI program in the class. He takes pride in being a player from North Carolina and wants to be an example for other players from the state. “My main goal is to show kids out of North Carolina that your lacrosse dreams really are possible and that you can go wherever you want as long as you are putting the work in,” Jones said.
, but glad to see Epstein back, especially without the brace.