ROCKINGHAM — Part of an explosive defensive performance during Friday’s homecoming win, a member of the Richmond Raider football team has been picked as the Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week.
The Richmond Observer’s weekly feature series, presented by Mabry’s Drug & Home Care, recognizes junior defensive back Shamir Jones as this week’s selection.
Making one of Richmond’s four interceptions, while also recording a single-game career-high in tackles, Jones helped Richmond to a 49-28 win over Jack Britt High School. His pick was also returned for a touchdown.
Starting in Richmond’s secondary for the first season of his career, Jones also earned his first career recognition.
Athletic Profile: Shamir Jones
Year: Junior
Fall sport: Football
Position: Safety
Varsity experience: 1 Season
“CLASSROOM CREDITS” WITH SHAMIR JONES
A dual enrollment student at Richmond, Jones is reaping the benefits of attending morning classes at Richmond Community College this semester.
While he’s enjoying high school life, Jones is earning college credits by taking two classes at RichmondCC. This fall, he’s enrolled in Spanish 111 and Math 171. He said he likes getting ahead in his studies since he wants to play college football and pursue a four-year degree.
At the high school, Jones is taking two additional classes — Civic Literacy Honors and Weight Training Honors with the football team in the afternoon.
Currently, with As in both of his classes at Richmond, Jones started the semester with a 4.31 weighted grade point average. That places him in the top 25 of Richmond’s graduating class of 2027.
“TO THE HOUSE” WITH SHAMIR JONES
Richmond rolled past Jack Britt thanks to a balanced effort from the offense and defense. Jones played a hand in the defense scoring twice, including taking one trip to the end zone himself.
In the victory, Jones recorded 13 total tackles, which was a single-game career high for him. He had eight solo tackles, which marked a new personal record in one game. Helping on the back end, Jones recorded five assists.
Another key play resulted in Jones notching his first tackle-for-loss in seven games this season. He added one pass defensed, too, from his safety position.
With less than four minutes to play in the second quarter, Jones made a smart read and jumped a route in the right flat. Intercepting the pass near the 30-yard line, he raced down the left sideline to the end zone to give Richmond a 27-7 lead.
Through seven games this season, Jones has 41 total tackles (25 solo, 16 assists), which is fourth-most on the team. He’s second on the Raiders in interceptions (2) and passes defensed (3).
Richmond (5-2, 2-0 MSC) travels to Hoke County High School (2-4, 0-2) Friday and will start at 7:30 p.m.
“RAPID RESPONSE” VIDEO WITH SHAMIR JONES
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Student-Athletes of the Week next week.
