Football

Alexander “AJ” Jones was named Inside Linebackers Coach in March.

Jones is a familiar name around Upstate prep football programs, having roamed the sidelines for the past nine seasons as a high school coach in the area following his collegiate playing days at North Greenville (2009-12). Jones played in 46 games for the Crusaders, while recording 173 career tackles and notching five sacks and a pair of interceptions.

“I'm excited to welcome AJ and his wife Haven to the Trojan Football Family!" said Lamb. "Being from Greenwood and coaching in Greenville County, AJ provides our staff immediate credibility in state. By coaching several different positions on defense, he will give us flexibility within our defensive staff.”

The Greenwood, S.C., native spent the past two seasons as the Defensive Line Coach at Eastside High School, where he assisted the Defensive Coordinator with the Eagles’ game plans and gameday adjustments. Additionally, Jones coordinated practices for all varsity defensive linemen, while breaking down opponent’s pass protections and screen games.

Prior to his time in Taylors, Jones served a three-year stint as the Defensive Coordinator at Blue Ridge High School in Greer. While with the Tigers, he coordinated defensive schemes and personnel and created defensive practice and game plans and oversaw the defensive coaching staff. He was instrumental in developing logistical and game-planning decisions and was In charge of play-calling and defensive in-game adjustments.

Prior to joining the Blue Ridge coaching staff Jones served in a variety of roles at Westside High School in the Electric City, beginning in 2015 as the Defensive Coordinator for the Rams’ freshman squad. He then assumed the role of Speed Development Coordinator and in 2016 he took on the added responsibility as the varsity running backs coach in addition to the dual role as the Rams’ JV Head Coach for a year. He then served three years as the varsity squad’s Inside Linebackers & Cornerbacks Coach.

“My wife and I are grateful to be with Anderson University," said Jones. "We can’t wait to embark on this new journey and want to thank Coach Lamb and Dr. Bert Epting for blessing us with this opportunity. We are excited to start something special and be a part of the Trojan Family."