Photo by Rick Kimball/ISD
Notre Dame Football
Jones Ready to Contribute
April 24, 2017
4,497
All eyes were on quarterback Brandon Wimbush and Mike Elko’s defense this spring, but redshirt freshman Tony Jones Jr. might have been the most pleasant surprise of the last 15 practices.
It wasn’t a total surprise, as the 5-foot-11, 224-pounder showed the ability to make plays in fall camp, but Jones’ ability to make big plays during practice stuck out on a loaded offense.
On Saturday, Notre Dame fans got their first look at the former four-star prospect, and he didn’t disappoint. Jones ran for 53 yards on just eight carries, showed the will to block, and caught the ball well.
“It was a great time playing out there for the first time,” Jones stated after the Blue-Gold Game. “It was nice to get the rust off. I feel the team did well, so it was a good day.”
Jones and the other running back are working through mastering Chip Long’s new offensive scheme, and it’s one he is excited to play in.
“I would say our offense is more high-paced and more balanced when it comes to the run and pass,” said Jones. “I have the confidence I know I can play. I have a long way to go, but I think I can contribute to the team.”
While Jones didn’t take a snap in a game in 2016, Jones got valuable learning experiences from his fellow running backs.
“I learned from Josh (Adams), Tarean (Folston), and Dex (Williams),” said Jones. “I learned from their mistakes and what they do well. I have taken advice from everyone. I learned how college is really like.”
A redshirt season is never easy, as you go from being a star to not playing or sometimes even traveling for games. Jones traveled and fought through the tough moments, as he knew there was playing time was on the horizon.
“At first, it was tough,” explained Jones. “I talked to my family, and I just started to wait. I believed in what God has planned for me.”
In 2017, Jones will be part of a three-headed monster with Adams and Williams in the Notre Dame offense. There aren’t any hard feelings towards carries, as all three know they can get the job done.
“I think we all did well together,” Jones stated. “Coach can put all of our running back as first-string. We have shown we can be good.”
This spring gave Jones the momentum he needed to head into the offseason and prep himself for carries this fall.
“I am a good all-around back,” Jones said of his strengths. “I have more confidence behind me because the team gives me props and stuff. From last year until now, I have a better confidence and attitude to my role.”
It wasn’t a total surprise, as the 5-foot-11, 224-pounder showed the ability to make plays in fall camp, but Jones’ ability to make big plays during practice stuck out on a loaded offense.
On Saturday, Notre Dame fans got their first look at the former four-star prospect, and he didn’t disappoint. Jones ran for 53 yards on just eight carries, showed the will to block, and caught the ball well.
“It was a great time playing out there for the first time,” Jones stated after the Blue-Gold Game. “It was nice to get the rust off. I feel the team did well, so it was a good day.”
Jones and the other running back are working through mastering Chip Long’s new offensive scheme, and it’s one he is excited to play in.
“I would say our offense is more high-paced and more balanced when it comes to the run and pass,” said Jones. “I have the confidence I know I can play. I have a long way to go, but I think I can contribute to the team.”
While Jones didn’t take a snap in a game in 2016, Jones got valuable learning experiences from his fellow running backs.
“I learned from Josh (Adams), Tarean (Folston), and Dex (Williams),” said Jones. “I learned from their mistakes and what they do well. I have taken advice from everyone. I learned how college is really like.”
A redshirt season is never easy, as you go from being a star to not playing or sometimes even traveling for games. Jones traveled and fought through the tough moments, as he knew there was playing time was on the horizon.
“At first, it was tough,” explained Jones. “I talked to my family, and I just started to wait. I believed in what God has planned for me.”
In 2017, Jones will be part of a three-headed monster with Adams and Williams in the Notre Dame offense. There aren’t any hard feelings towards carries, as all three know they can get the job done.
“I think we all did well together,” Jones stated. “Coach can put all of our running back as first-string. We have shown we can be good.”
This spring gave Jones the momentum he needed to head into the offseason and prep himself for carries this fall.
“I am a good all-around back,” Jones said of his strengths. “I have more confidence behind me because the team gives me props and stuff. From last year until now, I have a better confidence and attitude to my role.”
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