Mount Carmel’s Braeden Jones has talked to Lincoln-Way East quarterback Jonas Williams about being roommates at USC, where both have committed to play college football.
But first, Jones — a senior defensive lineman — would love to run into Williams in the playoffs. That’s possible this season with the Caravan moving up to Class 8A after winning three straight 7A state championships.
The chance to hit his future teammate? You bet Jones wants that.
“That’s the goal,” Jones said. “It would be fun to see them in the playoffs. If I see him and I sack him, there’s no harm intended. It’s just the game. But yeah, I’d love the chance to play him and get a couple sacks on him.”
The Caravan, who are the No. 1 team in the Daily Southtown’s preseason rankings, is on a quest to prove themselves in the highest class.
If that’s going to happen, Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch expects a defense that’s loaded with talent to be a huge part of it.
“These guys are all coming back and they’ve got tons of experience,” Lynch said. “Mount Carmel is built on defense. I know we can be flashy on offense and throw up some quick points, but defense is what I want us to be built on.”
Jones likes that sound of that. He wasn’t thrilled that the Caravan gave up over 30 points four times last season and often needed its high-powered offense to carry the team to victory.
“My sophomore year, we didn’t really give up that many points and we want to bring it back to that,” Jones said. “It’s holding ourselves to that standard.”
Mount Carmel’s Braeden Jones (99) hits Batavia’s Michael Vander Luitgaren (8) in the Class 7A state championship game at Hancock Stadium in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
It starts up front where Jones teams with fellow senior Joey Quinn, a Vanderbilt commit, to form a dynamic duo of pass rushers.
In between them is sophomore Caleb Tucker, a gigantic tackle at 6-foot-5, 355 pounds who is nicknamed “bonecrusher.”
“I think we’re going to be unstoppable up front this year,” Quinn said. “Braeden and I are really good friends. He’s always been my workout partner. I’ve seen him develop into a leader.
“We talk all the time and we hang outside of school and football. It’s really cool to see us both get to chase our dreams and go to Division I schools.”
Lynch said Jones is the perfect tone-setter for this Mount Carmel edition.
Mount Carmel’s Braeden Jones (99) rushes the passer against The Hun School of Princeton from New Jersey during a nonconference game in Chicago on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/ Daily Southtown)
“He puts in work,” Lynch said. “He’s had a great offseason. He’s a leader on and off the field and he’s great in the classroom. You couldn’t have a better kid to be your team leader in the locker room.”
Jones, who picked up 48 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks last year, has been playing football since he was 5 years old, something he owes to his mom, Rachel Bolzan.
“My mother is a big football fan,” Jones said. “She’s always loved it, and she’s the one who got me into it. I just fell in love with it. My dad (David Jones) isn’t too big on football, but he always supports me.
“I’m trying to get him more into football. I took him on a couple of my college visits, just to show him the football life and why I love it so much.”
Mount Carmel’s Braedon Jones (99) tries to tackle Brother Rice’s Tyler Lofton (3) during a CCL/ESCC Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Rated by Rivals as a four-star recruit and the No. 8 player in Illinois in the 2026 class, Jones had over two dozen major Division I offers before committing last fall to USC.
He’s certainly excited about the future, but there’s plenty to accomplish first. Not many people get a chance to be a part of a four-peat.
“We dominated in 7A,” Jones said. “Now we have a chance to show that we can really be a great squad in 8A and show who we really are.
“Being the team to win in the highest division, my senior year, would mean so much. That’s the impact I want to leave on the school.”
Mount Carmel’s Quentin Burrell (4) holds on to the ball for a TD against Batavia in the Class 7A state championship game at Hancock Stadium in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Quick hits
Team: Mount Carmel.
2024 record: 11-3.
Offensive leaders: Emmett Dowling, senior, quarterback; Claude Mpouma, senior, lineman; Marshaun Thornton, sophomore, receiver; Madden Wilson, senior, running back.
Defensive leaders: Tavares Harrington, junior, defensive back; Roman Igwebuike, junior, linebacker; Braeden Jones, senior, lineman; Joey Quinn, senior, lineman.
X-factor: Quentin Burrell, junior, receiver/kick returner.
