2028 DE Arthur Jones Building Bonds With Partridge, Notre Dame

Arthur Jones‍ came away impressed after meeting Charlie Partridge for the first time this spring.

A few months later, the Notre Dame defensive line coach continues to be one of the biggest reasons the 2028 New York defensive end is keeping a close eye on the Irish.

"Coach Charlie Partridge, he texts me almost every day," Jones told Irish Sports Daily. "His message to me is just that the d-line that he's building right now is out there to work and they're just all bonding. He wants me to be a part of that squad."

That relationship has continued to grow since Jones' first trip to South Bend for the Blue-Gold Game in April.

"He's a great guy," Jones said of Partridge. "I have mutual connections with him. My d-line coach that I had last year is good friends with him. So just that mutual connection, it's amazing."

The Christian Brothers Academy standout has spent much of the summer training, first with his high school teammates before traveling to Arizona to work with his uncle, former NFL defensive end Chandler Jones.

"It's great," Jones said. "It's a bonding experience. Just being out here in Arizona is great."

More than any specific drill, Jones believes the workouts with someone who has played the game at the highest level have reinforced an important lesson.

"It's helped me understand you're never your best until you get there," he said of working with his uncle.

“I believe it's helping me reach my goals and just excel."

In addition to Notre Dame, the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder holds offers from Penn State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Boston College, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Syracuse, Akron, South Alabama and Virginia among others.

Jones hopes to make his way back to South Bend this fall if his schedule allows, though a spring visit could also be an option. 

"If I get back up there, I'd like to see the d-line working and see how Coach Partridge coaches and works with his d-line," Jones said.

He also hopes to visit Tennessee, Penn State, Georgia and Ole Miss while continuing to evaluate his options.

When the time eventually comes to make a decision, Jones already knows what will matter most.

"The relationship that I build with the coaches because I would not like to come in new and just not know anybody. I like to build that relationship and see how I can get developed as soon as my process starts."

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