D.J. Jones been knowing.
While Deebo Samuel has taken the NFL by storm this season, the 49ers lineman Jones has been a longtime fan of his explosive wide receiver teammate. Before they were Niners, Jones and Samuel were roaming the prep football fields of South Carolina. Jones discussed the connection during his appearance Wednesday on 95.7 The Game’s “Damon and Ratto” and you can hear the full interview here:
“They sleep on those South Carolina boys a lot, but they’re starting to open some eyes,” Jones said. “I’m excited about that, but Deebo’s been that guy. Deebo’s been that guy for a long time. I saw him in high school. We actually shared the same head coach -- fun fact.”
Jones played his high school ball at Wren high school in Piedmont, South Carolina, which is about a 50-minute drive away from Samuel’s alma mater Chapman high school in Inman.
On Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams, Samuel stole the show with 10 touches (five carries, five receptions), 133 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
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“He’s a baller, man,” Jones said. “He’s got instincts, he refuses to go down. I love the fact that he doesn’t go out of bounds. He’s looking for contact.”
Jones also made a nice open-field tackle Monday night that made him feel 10 pounds skinnier.
Jones said the vibe is much better around the locker room following the team’s impressive 31-10 upset of the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10.
“That was a huge win for us, especially at home after not having a win at home for so long,” Jones said. “You feel the energy in the locker room has changed. We just want to win, man. Just keep winning.”
