Elite two-way 2020 prospect Jared Jones commits to Texas

The 2020 recruiting class for Texas Longhorns head coach David Pierce received a big boost on Tuesday with the pledge of Whittier (Cali.) La Mirada right-handed pitcher/third baseman/outfielder Jared Jones:

A 6’2, 175-pounder, Jones was committed to USC until head coach Dan Hubbs was fired following the 2019 season. Now he plans on heading to the Forty Acres, though the pure velocity on his fastball could make him an appealing selection in the Major League Baseball draft next summer — he’s considered a top-20 national prospect in the Baseball American rankings.

Here’s the scouting report on Jones from Perfect Game:

Jared Jones is a 2020 RHP/OF with a 6-2 175 lb. frame from Whittier, CA who attends La Mirada. Lean athletic build with lots of room to get stronger. High level two-way prospect whose future is on the mound. Good rhythm and tempo to his delivery, not much effort in generating velocity, gets tall over the rubber with a high leg lift and works downhill from there, extremely fast arm from a 3/4’s arm slot. Fastball topped out at 96 mph, has thrown harder in the past and has a history of maintaining his elite velocity through whole games, gets riding life up in the zone and sink down in the zone. Has feel for his breaking ball and will add and subtract from the pitch, best breaking balls are the harder sliders he throws with conviction and full arm speed. Has a feel for firm change up that mimics his fastball well, change up topped out at 90 mph. 6.75 runner, has elite arm strength from the outfield with on line accuracy, just fun to watch throw the ball during drills, doesn’t sell out for 100 mph. Right handed hitter, gets to his front side early, has quick hands from a deep hand load, pretty simple swing approach, swings hard with some late lower half use, power projects. Good student, verbal commitment to Southern California. Named to play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic.

Jones also has plus speed and power at the plate.