Indiana University Athletics
Jones Inks Free Agent Contract
4/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
"The Bengals have the best opportunity for me," Jones said. "They brought me in earlier this year to meet with the coaching staff, watch film and take a physical. They're looking for help at strong safety and also feel like I could step up in special teams."
Jones, the fourth-leading tackler in school history (342 total stops), was named second team All-Big Ten by the media and honorable mention by the coaches in 2004. Jones wrapped up his career with his biggest season as a Hoosier, ending the year third in the Big Ten with a career-high and team-leading 110 tackles (70 solo, 40 assist), an average of 10.00 per game. An all-around leader on the defense, the 5-11, 205-pound Jones picked off a pair of passes, forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble. He was an honorable mention selection by the media in 2003.
The Louisville, Ky., native was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for games played the weekend of Sept. 11, after Indiana's upset victory at No. 24 Oregon. With Indiana leading 30-24 late in the fourth quarter, Jones intercepted Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens' pass with 3:42 to play in the final quarter. Oregon had been driving down the field and had the ball on the IU 16-yard line. Jones added nine total tackles, including one for loss, and a fumble recovery in the game.
