Ridgefielder Grant Jones to Play Division 1 Football at Bucknell University

Ridgefielder Grant Jones, currently completing a post grad year at Deerfield Academy, has committed to Bucknell University where he will play Division 1 football. Grant is the son of Pamme and John Jones.

While Grant has received offers and continued interest from other schools, he believes Bucknell is his place to shine. He plans to study Biology with the intention of going to graduate school for Physical Therapy.

Grant shared the big news on social media saying, "Thank you to my family, coaches and teammates who have supported me throughout the years. Special thanks to the Bucknell coaching staff, Coach Barbato at Deerfield Academy and Coach Callahan and Coach Knibbe at RHS for seeing my potential and helping me obtain this opportunity!"

Division 1 football recruiting process can be stressful in its own right - add a global pandemic to the mix and the challenges increase tenfold.  The full in-person recruiting process including camps, combines and official visits were off the table. Weight rooms were shut-down, field access restricted and coaches and athletes forced to rely on video clips, Twitter DMs and text messages to stay in contact. 

The 6'6" football standout didn't let COVID-19 slow him down. Grant's home weight set became his best friend. And, being home during the pandemic, meant more sleep and not skipping a meal! He completed his 2019 football season at 242 lbs and prior to heading to Deerfield in early September, he weighed in at 295 lbs!

"I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me! No better place to start than Bucknell #ROLLBISAN," Grant said.

Congratulations to Grant and the Jones family! Ridgefield is proud!