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| April 14, 2005 | ||||
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Jones transitions from roundball to pigskin Former Mountaineer basketball star Matt Jones may be expanding his athletic career- by catching footballs instead of basketballs. Jones, along with former Appalachian State University football players DaVon Fowlkes, Corey Jones, Michael Metcalf and Nygel Rogers, exhibited his football skills at Appalachian’s 2005 Pro Day in March in an attempt to woo scouts from the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars Although Jones played basketball for four years at Appalachian, he also has a history rooted in football. Jones was a standout athlete in high school, earning all-state for football, basketball and track and field at Charlotte Christian. He was awarded most valuable player for his high school football team as a senior at Charlotte Christian. Greg Simmons, Charlotte Christian’s current head football coach, was the wide receivers coach while Jones was in high school. “He’s probably one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen,” Simmons said. “Maybe one of the best to come through this school.” While at Charlotte Christian, Jones’ basketball coach was his father, Bobby Jones, who was known as a defensive specialist over his 12-year NBA career. Once Jones reached his senior year of high school, it was his football talent that was most recognized by college recruiters. Jones said he received more scholarship offers to play football in college than basketball. Simmons said Jones was the kind of high school football player who could have played at a number of different colleges. However, Jones decided to walk on to the basketball team at Appalachian State. Jones said the decision was based largely on the fact that friend and fellow Charlotte Christian graduate Nick Huge was currently on the team. Jones experienced a very accomplished basketball career as a Mountaineer. During his junior year, his most productive in college, he shot 73 percent from the foul shot line, averaged 5.8 points per game and racked up 60 steals while relishing in the sixth-man role. Like his father, Jones played a defense-oriented game and also served as an inspiration and leader for his fellow teammates. Jones was a constant defensive force on the floor, leading the Mountaineers in both steals and hustle plays. “He’s the hardest working athlete I’ve ever played with,” assistant men’s basketball coach Ahmad R. Smith said. Smith also played for the Mountaineers alongside Matt for two years. Although Jones had a stellar basketball career, he said that his decision to play basketball instead of football in college is one that he regrets. As a high school wide receiver, Simmons said that Jones had good hands, speed and was a good size for the position. Size is one of the key reasons Jones is now trying out for wide receiver. After a four-year hiatus from football during his college basketball career, the transition is bound to be tough. “It’s going to be a hard transition but you can’t knock a guy like that down,” Smith said. “He’s one of those guys that’s so athletic he can play any sport and take it up quickly.” Smith said that even during basketball season, Jones was playing tennis, hiking, swimming and riding his bike. Jones is simply a hard worker who loves sports. The 2005 NFL Draft will be held April 23-24 in New York City. Jones, who is not expected to be drafted, plans on attending a combine in Atlanta April 26 with former running back Metcalf. He said he is looking forward to whatever opportunities that may come his way, whether it is the NFL, NFL Europe or arena football. However, many around Jones are positive about his chances, especially his high school coach. “If anyone can pull it off, he can,” Simmons said.
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© 2005 ASU Student Publications
