Freshman wideout T.J. Jones was ranked the #20 freshman in the nation by Phil Steele. Last weekend, Jones became just the second Notre Dame freshman to record a receiving touchdown in a season opener (Michael Floyd, 2008 vs. San Diego State.) The five-yard touchdown reception with 10:20 left in the third quarter to gave Notre Dame a 20-3 lead. The TD catch was, obviously the first of his career.
“A great win for our confidence under a new coach, and a new offense, a great morale builder for next week. We felt comfortable, and ready to play even though we only had a short time to learn these schemes,” Jones said after his memorable debut game.
Then against Michigan in week two, Jones broke an even bigger play, a 54 yard TD reception from a returning QB Dayne Crist. Which “woke up the echoes” in South Bend and changed momentum.
By Paul M. Banks
“It was a little pressure but more pressure I put on myself to play the way I know I can play instead of letting nerves get to me,” Jones said.
Get to know his name, because he’s going to be a star. I asked him about how much it helps to have weapons like Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph around him, allowing Jones to (please excuse the cliche) fly under the radar.
“Yes it does because I’m not the first guy they’ll be looking to double team. And I can be open when they try to double team Floyd or add an extra person in the box,” he responded.
Jones is a great fit for Brian Kelly’s spread-option system.
“I love it, it’s what I played in my last two years in high school, so it’s definitely a plus for me,” he said.
Finally, I asked Jones what Kelly’s best attributes are when it comes to leadership.
“Stressing that everyone has great talent at this level and what separates great teams from good teams is their mental and physical toughness. And that’s something he preaches everyday,” Jones responded.
Paul M. Banks is President and CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest focused webzine. He is also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, the Chicago Tribune’s blog network, Walter Football.com, the Washington Times Communities, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and @bigtenguru
