THOMASVILLE – On Wednesday morning, Thomas County Central wide receiver Jay Jones signed his letter-of-intent to play college football at Gordon State College.

“Jay has been an unbelievably hard worker,” said Central head coach Justin Rogers. “Always shows up, always a great athlete, always a good smile, always willing to do what he needs to do to better himself and for the team.”

Jones played well for the Yellow Jackets. He had seven receptions in the 2024-2025 season for 139 yards and a touchdown. His best game came against Florida High when he took his only catch of the game 78 yards for a touchdown. He had three receptions against Northside for 25 yards.

Over two years of varsity football, Jones played in 10 games and racked up 15 receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown.

“The Yellow Jackets really changed me. When I first got to high school, they showed me how to be a man, how to be a friendly person,” Jones said about Thomas County Central football. “They prepared me great. Down here in the county we do things different. Everything is fast and there’s no walking on the field. Everything is about respect down here and brotherhood.”

Jones will be headed just a few hours north to Barnesville, Georgia. He will be playing for the Gordon State Highlanders.

“Being able to play at the next level is a blessing to me,” Jones said. “I’m the second person in my family to do it. I’m also thankful that I got another opportunity to take my career to another level.”

Jones said he chose the Highlanders because Gordon state felt like home.

“It felt like I was in high school at Central again.”