The ISU women’s track and field gained depth in the sprints, as Laynnea Jones signed a letter of intent to run at Iowa State.

Jones, from Elizabeth, N.J., will be coming to Iowa State with hopes to help right away on sprint relay teams.

“We already have good sprinters,” said assistant women’s coach Scott Roberts. “It’s always nice to have depth.”

Jones recorded personal bests of 11.81 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 24.56 seconds in the 200-meter dash while in high school.

Roberts explained that because of what he has heard of her talent and work ethic, he will work with her in running the quarter mile.

Roberts said coaches are not planning on red-shirting Jones this year because she may be able to help score points.

“We are not going to pressure her to score individually,” Roberts said.

He explained that she would be working out in the fall, and if she can’t adapt, there is always the option of her being red-shirted.

Roberts said it will take time to prepare for competition in the Big 12, a conference known for its sprinters.

So her first year will be a learning experience.

But with senior-to-be sprinter Ola Adetiba, who competed in the NCAA national meet this year, leaving after next season “we’ll need someone” to step up, Roberts said.

Roberts said he believes Iowa State has done a good job in bringing in quality sprinters.

Roberts said he first heard of Jones from her high school coach, Bruce Berry.

Roberts said he and Berry have become good friends, and he hopes Iowa State will be able to recruit more runners from the New Jersey area.

Roberts explained that because of the large population, there is a good reputation for quality sprinters in that area.

Jones was recruited by other Big 12 and Big 10 Conference schools, such as Kansas and Michigan State, but chose Iowa State over them.