BREAKING: Edgewater offensive lineman Ben Bankowitz, now known as Ben Jones, has just been selected to participate in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl, set for December 21, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. This recognition comes as a significant milestone for the young athlete, highlighting his dedication and skill on the football field.
Jones, ranked No. 43 in the Sentinel’s 2026 Central Florida Super60, has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive lineup for the past four seasons. His hard work has not gone unnoticed, as he expressed gratitude for the honor, saying, “It feels really good…but it does feel really good to get some recognition.” This recognition marks a pivotal moment in his football journey.
The Eagles are currently undefeated at 9-0, dominating their district and heading into the crucial Barrel Game rivalry against Boone on October 30. Jones has been instrumental in this success, contributing to the team’s offensive prowess that has seen them rise to the top of the rankings.
“This year is going really well… we still got six more games,” Jones stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to continuing their winning streak.
Jones’s journey has been characterized by a relentless focus on technique and teamwork. He credits his former offensive line coach, Chris Jamison, for much of his development, alongside current coaches Shermane TeArt and Kenny Thomas. “Technique is one of the most pivotal components of being an offensive lineman,” he explained, showcasing his understanding of the game’s fundamentals.
At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Jones combines agility with strength, a trait that has made him a standout player. While he plays tackle for Edgewater, he is expected to transition to the interior line at Appalachian State, where he committed on June 17.
Jones chose App State due to the strong recruitment efforts of offensive line coach Allen Mogridge, a familiar face in Central Florida. “I feel like App State is overachieving with the coaches they have… they have some of the best coaches in the country,” he said, affirming his commitment to the program.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Patrick Browning, Jones has thrived during his senior season. “I don’t have enough good words to say about Coach Browning… You can sit around and talk football with Coach Browning for hours,” he shared, reflecting the strong relationship between players and coaching staff that has contributed to Edgewater’s unity and success.
The decision of former coach Cameron Duke to leave for a job in Georgia could have created turmoil, but the team has remained steadfast. “We had team meetings and we talked every day about how we had to have the whole team stay on track during the offseason…” Jones added, highlighting the camaraderie that has been crucial in keeping the team together.
As Edgewater prepares for its next challenge, all eyes will be on Jones, whose dedication and talent have earned him a place among the nation’s elite high school players. Fans and teammates alike are excited to see how he will shine in the upcoming Army All-American Bowl.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ben Jones and the Edgewater Eagles as they continue their quest for championship glory.
