Edgewater’s Ben Bankowitz (Jones) Earns Army All-American Invite!

UPDATE: Edgewater offensive lineman Ben Bankowitz, now officially known as Ben Jones, has just been selected for the prestigious US Army All-American Bowl, scheduled for December 21, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Jones, who has consistently demonstrated his dedication on the field.

In a sport where offensive linemen often go unrecognized, Jones has emerged as a standout player. Despite the physical nature of his position, he remains humble, attributing his success to hard work and his faith. “It feels really good. I try to not think about it too much, just give the glory to God, but it does feel really good,” Jones shared during the announcement.

Ranked No. 43 in the Sentinel’s 2026 Central Florida Super60, Jones has been a cornerstone of the Edgewater Eagles’ offense since his freshman year. The team is currently undefeated, boasting a record of 9-0 and standing as champions of Class 7A, District 5. They are set to face off against Boone in the highly anticipated Barrel Game rivalry on October 30.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Jones emphasized the drive to continue their success: “This year is going really well, obviously, 9-0, but we’re not close to done. In our minds, we still got six more games.”

Jones has honed his skills through years of dedication and training, becoming one of the top offensive linemen in the state. “Technique is one of the most pivotal components of being an offensive lineman,” he explained. “When you work on technique in practice and then put it into the game, good things happen.”

His commitment to excellence on the field is complemented by the guidance he received from former coaches, particularly Chris Jamison, who has significantly influenced his development. Jones is noted for his exceptional blocking awareness and agility, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 295 pounds.

In June, Jones committed to Appalachian State, drawn to the team’s culture and the recruitment efforts of offensive line coach Allen Mogridge. “I’m locked in,” Jones stated about his commitment. “They are building something special up there and Coach Mo is the realest coach I have talked to.”

Jones is also grateful for the support he has received from Edgewater’s new head coach, Patrick Browning. “I don’t have enough good words to say about Coach Browning and how much he has helped me and all my teammates,” he said. Their strong bond has been crucial to maintaining team unity, especially following the transition of coaches.

As the Eagles prepare for their next game, the camaraderie among players remains strong. Jones described his senior class as “like actual brothers,” highlighting their commitment to each other and the program despite the coaching changes. “We had team meetings and we talked every day about how we had to have the whole team stay on track during the offseason,” he noted.

With the Army All-American Bowl approaching, all eyes will be on Jones as he represents Edgewater High School on a national stage. Expect significant anticipation as he continues to showcase his skills and leadership on the field.

Stay tuned for updates as Ben Jones prepares for this remarkable opportunity and leads his team into the next round of competition.