New Look Tony Jones Jr. Looking To Lead

Running back Josh Adams has left the building and leaves a significant void in the Notre Dame backfield. 

Enter Tony Jones Jr. and Dexter Williams. Jones got his first taste of college football a year ago as he rushed for 232 yards and three touchdowns. 

The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder knows he and the other running backs need to raise their game, but keep being themselves as they look to take over for Adams.  

“I think all of us are going to accept some type of role,” stated Jones. “We have to bring our type of game to the field.” 

After redshirting as a freshman, Jones started the year hot as he scored in the season opener against Temple, but then battled a high ankle sprain for most of the year.

“I was healthy until after the Boston College game,” explained Jones. “I was getting the garbage carries, and I wanted to play a lot. I was trying to do it, but it rolled up a little bit.

"I got healthy for the USC game, but I went downhill after that again."

The St. Petersburg (Fla.) native is healthy now and lost some weight in the offseason, which has given him a little more burst and confidence. 

“I’m definitely 100 percent,” said Jones. “I think it goes back to me losing weight. I feel more comfortable on my ankle.” 

Outside of healthy and prepping his body for more carries, Jones is working on several aspects of his game, including being a leader. 

“I’m working on getting more snaps,” Jones stated. “I’m working on my mentality and emotions. I want to be a captain type of leader.”

One area Jones does excel at is catching the football out of the backfield. Jones has always been impressive as a receiver, and it goes back to youth league. 

“I played tight end in my first three years of little league,” recalled Jones. “I played receiver my freshman year. I think catching the ball on the swing is better for me.” 

Will the Irish be better at the short passing game this year? Jones believes it’s getting there and it starts with the quarterback. 

“Brandon (Wimbush) is getting more comfortable,” Jones said. “The whole offense is getting more glued together. I think we’ll be better than last year.” 

Jones also made another change in the offseason. No. 34 is gone, and Jones will rock No. 6 in 2018.  

“I asked for No. 4 or No. 6 my freshman year,” stated Jones. “I couldn’t get four because Te’von (Coney) and I played kickoff together. They gave me six, so I just ran with it.” 

While it’s not his first choice, Jones likes the new number despite the history between No. 34 and the running back position. 

“Six is closer to four than 34,” laughed Jones. “I know there is a lot of tradition with 34. I didn’t like 34 at first, but my dad started showing me backs that had worn it.”