MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama volleyball head coach Nicole Keshock announced Wednesday that Torlandria Jones of Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Ala. has signed to play for the Jags.  Jones becomes the first signee of the recruiting class and will join the Jaguars for the 2010 season.

During her prep career, Jones has seen time at both the middle blocker and outside hitter positions while playing for Pam Robinson at BRHS.

"We are extremely excited about 'Dri'," Keshock said of the future Jag.  "She is an amazing and versatile athlete. She is a very focused and serious player that we think can come in and be an impact player for us, either in the middle or as an outside."

Jones is a three-time selection to the Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association all-state team, while also earning both all-county and all-area honors each of those years.  She was named to both the 6A and 5A all-state first teams as a senior and sophomore, respectively, and as a junior, earned 6A second team all-state honors.

This past season, Jones recorded 419 kills and 282 blocks at the middle blocker position for BRHS, while also finishing the year with 150 digs and 55 aces.  She was also named the Most Valuable Player at the area tournament this past year. 

As a junior, Jones had similar numbers for the Lady Wildcats, posting 335 kills, 214 blocks, 166 digs and 61 aces.  She was also selected to compete for the South Team at the 13th annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week in Huntsville, Ala., where she had four kills and six blocks.

During her sophomore season at the outside hitter position for Benjamin Russell, Jones had 298 kills, 234 digs and 52 blocks.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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