pigsonthewing
Starter
we really needed Andre Jones, Steve Allen could have been a great player, but not really a necessity.
JUCO Andre Jones
- Thread starter Eric the Red
- Start date
HuskerfaninOkieland
Heisman Trophy Winner
Article on AJ :cheers
Newcomer Jones ready to be thrown into cornerback mix
BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 - 12:40:25 am CDT
Andre Jones can honestly say he knows how Zackary Bowman is feeling. Jones was a freshman at Kentucky in 2003 when a broken leg ended his season after three games.
“They had to put a rod in my shin,” Jones said. “I know what that feels like, to go down and not know what your next move could be.”
For Jones, a 6-foot, 195-pound cornerback, that move was a transfer to Fresno City (Calif.) Community College. He earned a medical redshirt and played there for two seasons, and now, only a few practices into his Nebraska football career, is faced with a daunting challenge.
Bowman, a senior cornerback for the Huskers, suffered an ACL tear in Saturday’s practice that will sideline him for the 2006 season. Jones, a highly-touted junior college transfer, is among the top candidates to replace him.
“When he went down, it was a heartfelt loss,” Jones said. “I know it was disappointing to him, but he’ll be back. God don’t let bad things happen to good people. He’ll be back. And I look forward to playing with him (next year), hopefully.”
But what about this year? The secondary was one position where Nebraska could ill afford to lose any players, and already, the Huskers appear to be turning to a newcomer to help fill a void.
Any extra pressure?
“Honestly, a little bit,” Jones said. “But I kind of have to zone that out. I’m here to set my own tempo. Zack was his own player, and he was a great player. I’m glad I’ve got my shot. I’m looking forward to that.”
Jones, a native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., came to Nebraska ranked among the top junior college transfers in the nation. In two seasons at Fresno City, Jones recorded 104 tackles with seven interceptions.
What can Nebraska fans expect to see from Jones?
“They’re going to see a lot of finesse, hustle, always running to the ball, excitement,” Jones said. “You’re going to see the best from me. Nothing else.”
Of course, as is generally the case with newcomers, learning a new system can hold back those physical strengths, at least initially. Bowman, also a highly-regarded junior college transfer last season, didn’t really begin to flourish until the final part of the season. Nine of Bowman’s 14 pass breakups came in NU’s final three games.
Jones can probably understand why.
“These aren’t easy schemes, but I’m getting them, slowly but surely,” Jones said. “It’s almost like being a freshman all over again. You’re learning different things, you’re learning different techniques, schemes. It’s tough, at times.
“I was getting frustrated a little bit with some of the calls, and (Bowman) was there, (saying) ‘Keep working, keep working.’ He kind of helped me get through it.”
Jones also said he’s learned from Cortney Grixby, Nebraska’s most experienced returning cornerback, and junior Titus Brothers.
“They’re staying on me, making sure I know these things, because they were once in my spot, too,” Jones said. “I’m learning.”
Since Bowman’s injury, Jones has been primarily working with the No. 1 defense. Before, he was working with the second unit, meaning quarterback Joe Ganz had a chance to throw against him.
“He’s good. He’s just got some technique he’s got to learn, our system technique,” said Ganz, Nebraska’s top backup quarterback. “Other than that, he’s a hell of an athlete. He’s got great hips. He can run, he can cover. He’s big. I mean, he’s short, but he’s a big body.”
Jones is also practicing on special teams as a punt returner and kickoff returner. Last season in junior college, Jones returned 15 kickoffs for 392 yards.
How he’ll figure into Nebraska’s special teams remains to be seen. But for sure, Jones will be a factor in the Huskers’ secondary.
“The caliber of his tempo is unbelievable, the way he flies around the field and covers and runs,” Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said. “His energy is tremendous. We’re looking for great things from Andre. He’s a top-shelf corner with tremendous athletic ability and coverage ability.”
Said Jones: “Zack made his own name. I have to make my own name now.”
By the way, his kickoff return average was 26yds :thumbs
Newcomer Jones ready to be thrown into cornerback mix
BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006 - 12:40:25 am CDT
Andre Jones can honestly say he knows how Zackary Bowman is feeling. Jones was a freshman at Kentucky in 2003 when a broken leg ended his season after three games.
“They had to put a rod in my shin,” Jones said. “I know what that feels like, to go down and not know what your next move could be.”
For Jones, a 6-foot, 195-pound cornerback, that move was a transfer to Fresno City (Calif.) Community College. He earned a medical redshirt and played there for two seasons, and now, only a few practices into his Nebraska football career, is faced with a daunting challenge.
Bowman, a senior cornerback for the Huskers, suffered an ACL tear in Saturday’s practice that will sideline him for the 2006 season. Jones, a highly-touted junior college transfer, is among the top candidates to replace him.
“When he went down, it was a heartfelt loss,” Jones said. “I know it was disappointing to him, but he’ll be back. God don’t let bad things happen to good people. He’ll be back. And I look forward to playing with him (next year), hopefully.”
But what about this year? The secondary was one position where Nebraska could ill afford to lose any players, and already, the Huskers appear to be turning to a newcomer to help fill a void.
Any extra pressure?
“Honestly, a little bit,” Jones said. “But I kind of have to zone that out. I’m here to set my own tempo. Zack was his own player, and he was a great player. I’m glad I’ve got my shot. I’m looking forward to that.”
Jones, a native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., came to Nebraska ranked among the top junior college transfers in the nation. In two seasons at Fresno City, Jones recorded 104 tackles with seven interceptions.
What can Nebraska fans expect to see from Jones?
“They’re going to see a lot of finesse, hustle, always running to the ball, excitement,” Jones said. “You’re going to see the best from me. Nothing else.”
Of course, as is generally the case with newcomers, learning a new system can hold back those physical strengths, at least initially. Bowman, also a highly-regarded junior college transfer last season, didn’t really begin to flourish until the final part of the season. Nine of Bowman’s 14 pass breakups came in NU’s final three games.
Jones can probably understand why.
“These aren’t easy schemes, but I’m getting them, slowly but surely,” Jones said. “It’s almost like being a freshman all over again. You’re learning different things, you’re learning different techniques, schemes. It’s tough, at times.
“I was getting frustrated a little bit with some of the calls, and (Bowman) was there, (saying) ‘Keep working, keep working.’ He kind of helped me get through it.”
Jones also said he’s learned from Cortney Grixby, Nebraska’s most experienced returning cornerback, and junior Titus Brothers.
“They’re staying on me, making sure I know these things, because they were once in my spot, too,” Jones said. “I’m learning.”
Since Bowman’s injury, Jones has been primarily working with the No. 1 defense. Before, he was working with the second unit, meaning quarterback Joe Ganz had a chance to throw against him.
“He’s good. He’s just got some technique he’s got to learn, our system technique,” said Ganz, Nebraska’s top backup quarterback. “Other than that, he’s a hell of an athlete. He’s got great hips. He can run, he can cover. He’s big. I mean, he’s short, but he’s a big body.”
Jones is also practicing on special teams as a punt returner and kickoff returner. Last season in junior college, Jones returned 15 kickoffs for 392 yards.
How he’ll figure into Nebraska’s special teams remains to be seen. But for sure, Jones will be a factor in the Huskers’ secondary.
“The caliber of his tempo is unbelievable, the way he flies around the field and covers and runs,” Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said. “His energy is tremendous. We’re looking for great things from Andre. He’s a top-shelf corner with tremendous athletic ability and coverage ability.”
Said Jones: “Zack made his own name. I have to make my own name now.”
By the way, his kickoff return average was 26yds :thumbs
huskernumerouno
All-American
it is nice to hear something positive
ttheKid1*18
All-Conference
Hopefully he gets everything down by USC. I know it took Bowman a long time, but maybe this will be different. I'll be rooting for him though, let's go Jones!!
BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA
All-American
I liked his swagger when they recruited him and I think it will give him the confidence to take it to the other team.
ttheKid1*18
All-Conference
I am excited to see him play. Hopefully he can make some big plays. Think about next year though. Him, Bowman, Grix, Octavien, Ruud, McKeon will all be seniors on the D. Wow. That will be fun. But let's pay this season first.
huskerhaze
Special Teams Player
Rivals.com 2006 Preseason Impact Transfers
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.....asp?CID=574070
8. Nebraska cornerback Andre Jones (from junior college)
The knee injury that will keep starting cornerback Zackary Bowman out for the year will make Jones' arrival that much more important. Jones, a five-star prospect ranked fourth among junior college transfers, probably will start alongside cornerback Cortney Grixby, the only healthy corner on the roster with starting experience.
I think Purify and Jones will be on the post season list!
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.....asp?CID=574070
8. Nebraska cornerback Andre Jones (from junior college)
The knee injury that will keep starting cornerback Zackary Bowman out for the year will make Jones' arrival that much more important. Jones, a five-star prospect ranked fourth among junior college transfers, probably will start alongside cornerback Cortney Grixby, the only healthy corner on the roster with starting experience.
I think Purify and Jones will be on the post season list!
ttheKid1*18
All-Conference
I agree. Mo is going to make some big plays, and Jones has to for us to win.
Blackshirtsguru
All-American
40 time: 4.47
Eric the Red
Team HuskerBoard
Just earned his first Blackshirt
4.38 according to the OWH on sunday. Either way, he's quick.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2230991
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