P.J. Jones was an extremely busy young man this summer.

Tupelo's senior defensive end participated in football camps at Alabama, Arkansas, Memphis, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss. He wanted to attend camps at Tennessee and UCLA. He just didn't have time.

"I've been too busy," he said, then laughed, before a recent practice. "Now I'm getting ready for the season to start."

Jones gets his wish Friday when the Golden Wave, under the direction of first-year coach David Bradberry, kicks off at home against 5A power New Hope.

Tupelo's top defender, who measures 6-foot-3 and tips the scales at 265 most days, loves playing football and the college coaches love him. Many have a home for him on their defensive lines.

"I come from a hard life," he said. "I'm always looking to better myself. Football opens a lot of doors. It's going to be a way to get an education."

Jones is an academic qualifier, so that won't be a problem. He just needs to decide where he wants to spend his next four to five years.

He gets five official visits before national signing day in February. Look for Arkansas, Michigan and UCLA to be in that number. He's also considering Colorado, "but they haven't shown any interest," he said.

Jones was born in Flint, Mich., and lived there before moving South when he was 8 years old. "I still have family living there," he said. "I've been to Ann Arbor and I enjoy going back to visit."

Colorado and UCLA have captured his attention because of an interest in living out West.

"Of course, I like Ole Miss and Mississippi State," he said. "They've shown me a lot of love."

Jones' position coach with the Golden Wave, Tim Carter, believes his star pupil has unlimited potential.

"He's got a good football head; he understands the game," Carter said. "He just needs to work on some of the little things that will make him great. He works hard in the weightroom, but I've told him he's got to work harder."

Carter believes that once Jones goes to college he'll bulk up to 285 pounds and play inside.

Jones is hoping for an injury-free season after being sidelined last year with a hip and ankle injuries.

"When I did get to play, I was hurting so bad it limited me," he said.

Bradberry is counting on Jones to have a banner senior season, even with the pressures of making a college choice looming.

"It's going to be important for him to clear his mind and be the best football player he can be," the coach said. "That can be hard for a 17-year-old youngster."

Contact Gene Phelps at 678-1593

or gene.phelps@djournal.com.