A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athletes of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Jonathan Jones

THE BASICS

School: Carrollton (Ga.)

Grade: Senior

Event(s): Hurdles/jumps

Height: 5-foot-10

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Jones won three individual state titles this spring and led the Trojans to the Class 3A state championship as a team. He won the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 13.69 seconds, captured the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 37.47 and leapt 23 feet, 11 inches to win the long jump.

Academic excellence: Jones has maintained a 3.78 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of an area soup kitchen and youth track programs.

THE PRAISE

“Jonathan has such fantastic athletic ability,” said Carrollton coach Craig Musselwhite. “He’s just a natural hurdler and jumper, and to me a good hurdler is the best athlete there is. He’s also a kid who you never had to worry about in the classroom.”

THE FUTURE: Jones has signed a National Letter of Intent to play football on scholarship at Auburn University this fall.