Brandon Jones article

Tricky_Falcon · Post by **Tricky_Falcon** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:29 pm

http://thisweeknews.com/?edition=RockyF ... 03045.html

Jones set for final season with BG

Thursday, August 10, 2006

MIKE PODESTA
Enterprise Staff Writer

Brandon Jones, a 2002 graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School, has been waiting for his opportunity for four years.

With time running out, the fifth-year senior is trying to earn a starting position on the Bowling Green State University football team. Though he played in eight games last season, Jones has had a tough time finding consistent playing time at receiver.

The Falcons have had a lot of talent and depth at the position. With graduates Steve Sanders (Cleveland Browns) and Charles Sharon (Jacksonville Jaguars) gone, Jones will be looking for an opportunity to play a bigger role this season.

Last season, Jones had 47 all-purpose yards. He caught one pass for three yards in a 27-7 win over Buffalo and returned three kickoffs for 44 yards. The Falcons finished 6-5 overall and 5-3 (third) in the Mid-American Conference-East Division.

"I expect some good things from Brandon," wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni said. "He's had to play behind some pretty good players the last three years. It's been a tough road for him.

"Unfortunately for him, we have had some NFL-caliber players ahead of him, like Cole Magner (Atlanta Falcons), James Hawkins and Cornelius McGrady. He was the understudy for the last four years so he has learned a lot of football. It's time to see if he can take what he learned and put it on the field."

Jones said what made his predecessors successful was their confidence under pressure and their ability to anticipate what would happen on the field.

"They were always poised and knew what was going on before it happened," Jones said.

"Being prepared is the biggest challenge.

"I feel that I am pretty prepared. I stayed up here all summer and worked my butt off. Running and conditioning, watching film and learning the defenses we will be facing. I've been doing pretty much what I need to do to get ready for the season."

Because NCAA regulations limit the amount of time coaches are able to instruct players, Azzanni has had limited contact with Jones this summer.

"We don't get to be around the kids or coach them in the summer," Azzanni said. "But from what I've heard from the other players he has done a good job and hopefully this is his time to shine."

As a senior at Gahanna, Jones had 1,100 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns and caught 25 passes for 490 yards. He was named first-team all-district in Division I and first-team all-OCC-Ohio Division as a senior. He finished his career with 31 touchdowns.

Jones said Division I college football is a lot different than high school.

"The players are a lot bigger and faster," he said.

"Everyone is also more prepared. That's what I have learned out of all of this. If you're prepared you'll be able to go out there and play with confidence and help the team out any way you can."

The Falcons will play two teams from the Big Ten this season: Wisconsin on Sept. 2 at Cleveland Brown Stadium and Oct. 7 at Ohio State.

"It's exciting to be playing both of those teams," Jones said. "I think we will turn some heads this year. I have family in Columbus and Wisconsin so they will be going to both games and I have their support at the home games, too."

Heading into the first days of camp, Azzanni said the depth chart is wide open when it comes to who will start at wide receiver and who will get the most playing time.

"We're going to go into two-a-days with a general type of depth chart," he said. "And as we go and guys move up and down we're going to hopefully come out with four starters that are ready to go before that Wisconsin game."

Jones is anxious to get started.

"The main thing is I just need to know what is going on with the defenses and being able to pick up stuff while the game is occurring," he said. "Once camp starts we will see how everyone fits in. I just need to know my role and be ready when my number is called, whenever the time is."

jpfalcon09 · Post by **jpfalcon09** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:08 pm

Brandon could prove to be a key 4th WR behind Corey, Marques and Ruben...I hope he proves to coach Brandon why he shouldn't have been passed up the previous 3 years he was eligible, he'll be an important cog in the offense.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:42 pm

We'll see. When you have a pass-happy offense and it produces a WR who uses three years of eligibility without making any noticeable impact, it doesn't exactly instill confidence.

Falconboy · Post by **Falconboy** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:05 pm

1987alum wrote:We'll see. When you have a pass-happy offense and it produces a WR who uses three years of elibility without making any noticeable impact, it doesn't exactly instill confidence.

Exactly. I have peculier feeling that Jones will get passed by some quite speedy freshman receivers from Florida.

moneymaker02 · Post by **moneymaker02** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:23 pm

falconboy wrote:
1987alum wrote:We'll see. When you have a pass-happy offense and it produces a WR who uses three years of elibility without making any noticeable impact, it doesn't exactly instill confidence.
Exactly. I have peculier feeling that Jones will get passed by some quite speedy freshman receivers from Florida.

maybe as the season goes on, but not before the start of the season

BGSU33 · Post by **BGSU33** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 7:25 pm

I would really like to see Brandon Jones have a nice season this year. He clearly has had to put in his time behind the guys in front of him over the years. Now, it's up to him to get it done and cap of his career in a nice way and I hope he breaks through for us. Good luck Brandon.