Notre Dame running back Tony Jones Jr. saw a change in identity in the spring. The 5-foot-11, 225-pounder noticed an emphasis on the run game by new offensive coordinator Chip Long and the message has continued into November.
“To be honest, I noticed it in the spring,” Jones said when he knew the Irish would be a run-first team. “In all of our spring scrimmages and stuff, our run game was so potent. It was really strong. Coach Long told us from the get-go that the run game was the reason we were going to win games.
“It feels great. You always have to be ready.”
The offensive line has been physical and dominant at times, which makes the running backs job very easy.
“It’s beautiful,” laughed Jones. “Watching the film and not getting touched until you’re six yards downfield, it kind of takes the stress off the running back.”
The Tampa native has battled an ankle sprain and recently a hip pointer this fall to rush for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Jones missed the Michigan State game with the ankle injury, but he admits he’s starting to feel healthier and more explosive by the day.
“I feel stronger than I was,” explained Jones as he knocked on wood. “Sitting out helped my legs and stuff too. I’ll be good.”
Junior running back Dexter Williams has also battled injuries for most of the year and Jones has been right by his side.
“He’s staying strong,” stated Jones. “We’ll go to rehab and stretch together. We’ll be alright.”
Josh Adams headlines the deep running back room and Jones was more than willing to dish on what his friend is like away from the field.
“Josh is an interesting guy,” Jones stated. “He likes to sing and stuff. He sings a whole bunch of songs like R&B and pop. He’s a cool guy to hang out with.
“Josh is silly until it’s time for the game.”
The two met after Jones official visit for the USC game in 2015 and now the two room together on the road. Jones wasn’t shy to list Adams favorite TV shows and explain why the Heisman candidate doesn’t like to watch football.
“Josh has this thing where he doesn’t like watching football, so he watches Impractical Jokers and SpongeBob,” Jones explained. “He watches shows that are funny, and that calm him down.”
When it comes to Saturday’s game against seventh-ranked Miami, Jones has had this game circled on his calendar for a while. Not only is the game a Top 10 matchup, but Jones returns to his home state.
“A whole bunch of family and friends will be coming,” Jones said. “I think around 15-20 will be coming. It’s going to feel great, but it’s going to be like a regular game. It feels better to have your family in the stands.”
Jones will look to put on a show for his family and friends, but he also knows a big game would propel the program to where Notre Dame wants to go.
“Coach tells us to treat every week like a playoff game, so yeah, it’s like a playoff game.”
