When Anchor Bay standout Taiwan Jones took the football field for the first time back in his freshmen year, he had no idea it would lead to one of prep football’s most revered days–national signing day, Wednesday morning.

“I had no clue,” Jones said. “I just wanted to play, that’s all. This is very exciting and it’s a dream come true.”

Jones not only played–he excelled on the gridiron for the Tars, and turned heads with his play all over the area.

College scouts from Big Ten schools and other Division I conferences came calling on the 6-foot-3 inch standout, and eventually, after sorting through the offers, Jones settled on Michigan State University and verbally committed to the Spartans back in March of 2010.

That said, signing day makes the commitment official.

When asked why MSU, Jones smiled from ear to ear.

“When I went up there something just clicked,” he said. “I just felt like I belonged there. That’s really the best way I can describe it. I went there and something just clicked. Everyone really welcomed me in, and made me feel like I was wanted up there.”

The Spartans, and fans of the team, are the better for it, too.

Jones is a versatile player with a plethora of weapons at his disposal. His size and quickness make him an ideal candidate for a spot on both sides of the ball, although safety or linebacker seems like a great fit.

“They told me I might play some linebacker, or maybe even a little on offense,” Jones said. “We’ll have to see. They really haven’t decided. It doesn’t really matter to me I just want to play and help the team, that’s all.”

This team-first attitude is part of what separates Jones from many three-star recruits across the country.

“It really is about the team for me,” he said. “I mean, that’s what is really important to me–the team doing well. Whatever I can do to help that is what I’ll do.”

This outlook is only part of what got Jones to this point, he says, the rest is found in the work ethic and desire he has for the game.

“I really think it was just me wanting it more than anything else,” Jones said. “I just decided to go after it. So that’s what I did.”

Of course, the physical ability and athletic talent is certainly present, and that never hurts the cause. However, this desire is what turned the Tars senior into a superstar.

As far as what he expects next season and beyond, he’s not really sure, but the prospect is something he is looking forward to already.

“I can’t wait to get up there,” he said. “I’m just ready to go out there and compete, earn a spot, and hopefully, who knows, maybe I’ll play in the NFL one day. We’ll see.”