Washington Redskins rookie RB Matt Jones made a big impact in week two with a pair of touchdowns. Now what? (Getty)
Meet Matt Jones.
The Washington Redskins rookie running back broke into the national spectrum in week two with a dominant performance on the ground and now the No. 95 overall pick is ready to add to his stat line.
Jones, who grew up in Florida, was nearly unstoppable in week two, moving defenders and refusing to go down on initial contact. The 22-year-old is focused on what’s ahead of him, as the Redskins run game looks to find a brand-new identity in 2015.
Here’s what you need to know about Jones:
1. Jones Played College Football at Florida
After a dominant high school career at Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida, including a FHSAA Class 6A championship, Jones was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals and ranked as the No. 15 running back in his class.
Jones committed to Florida in February 2011 after visiting the Gainesville campus for the Gators first Junior Day:
I grew up a Georgia fan and they were the top, but Florida just took over. I just like Coach (Will) Muschamp. He’s a great guy and so is Coach Charlie Weis. They walked me through everything, me and my mom, and it was all great. I like that pro style offense that they’ll be running up there. They said they don’t have a back like me.
Jones had an impact with the Gators from the get-go, appearing in 12 games as a true freshman. He rushed for 275 yards and three on 52 touchdowns in 2012 and established a reputation as a big powerful back who doesn’t back away from contact.
2. He Tore His Meniscus in His Left Knee in 2014
Jones missed all of the 2013 college football season after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. (Instagram)
Jones suffered a season-ending injury in October, 2013, injuring his knee in a 17-6 loss to LSU. The then sophomore had already rushed for 339 yards in five games that season. The team had originally thought that the injury was not as serious but things took when Jones was diagnosed. Gators coach Will Muschamp said at the time:
I hate it for Matt. He’s a great young man, and to go what he’s been through this fall…to have this setback is just disheartening for all of us.
Prior to the injury, Jones had missed most of the fall practice schedule with a viral infection that was never exactly explained and also missed Florida’s season opener against Toledo.
Muschamp said they’ve got to be very careful with Matt Jones and how they bring him back so they don’t have a “relapse of the situation.”
The standout underwent two surgeries for a torn meniscus in his left knee. Afterwards, Muschamp added that the running back’s knee was “90 percent healed.”
3. Jones Was Selected With the No. 95 Overall Pick in the 2015 NFL Draft
After giving up his final season of college football, Jones was selected by the Redskins in the third round of the NFL Draft. (Instagram)
The Washington Redskins had a hole to fill during this year’s draft. After letting Roy Helu, Jr. go during free agency, the squad needed a running back that could spell Alfred Morris, particularly on third down, and offer a bit of power out of the backfield.
Enter Jones, third round.
The Redskins selected Jones with the No. 95 overall pick in this year’s draft after he announced that he had forgone his final year of NCAA eligibility. Jones’ agent, Hadley Engelhard was confident that his client would be able to meld with the Washington offense immediately:
He becomes immediately a short-yard, passing-down guy and it could morph its way into an every-down back. No matter what it is, he is going to have an immediate role on a team from day one.
Although some may have been surprised to see Jones give up his final year of college ball, particularly after an up-and-down career that included injuries and surgeries, the decision came not long after Will Muschamp was ousted at Florida.
4. He’s Been Called a ‘Grinder’ Running Back
Jones was drafted with the intent of giving Alfred Morris a bit of a break in the backfield. He showed he’s more than that in week two. (Getty)
Jones is a big guy. He’s 6-foot-2, 231-pounds with a 32-inch wingspan and powerful legs that can move piles. In fact, according to his NFL Draft profile, Jones most resembles BenJarvus Green-Ellis. That’s not a bad comparison.
He plays with a visible forward lean to drive the blockers in front of him and to grab at any and all extra yards. Although he was used sparingly as a pass-catcher in Florida, Jones has talented hands and could possibly see some time on screen plays with Washington.
After seeing minimal time in week one, the rookie running back broke out in a big way during week two, racking up 123 yards and to touchdowns on 19 carries. It was a big-time performance that has now sparked big-time expectations for Jones.
5. Jones & His High School Sweetheart Have a Daughter Named Aniyah
Jones, a Florida native, has found nothing but support as he has chased his football career over the years. In fact, while he was playing at Florida, he lived with his high school sweetheart and their daughter Aniya.
He has discussed how much his battles on the field, and off it, including everything from a virus miniscus, have been for his family. In fact, Jones’ Twitter bio reads:
Official Page Of Running Back Matt Jones #24…University of Florida…Daddy of Aniyah Jones…Follow My IG @Blessedmj_31 #TeamHumble
He’s also open about how determined he is to provide for his family:
When You The Man Of The House You Have To Do Stuff Out The Ordinary..!
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