Post by Bornthrilla on Sept 14, 2004 10:07:36 GMT -5
Commitment makes big impact on Small
9-14-04
By Bill Hass Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO -- N.C. A&T football coach George Small noticed a familiar figure jogging in the parking lot when he went to rent a car this summer.
It was senior running back Christopher Jones.
Jones, a non-scholarship player, was earning money to help pay his way through school. That dedication impressed Small.
When training camp opened in early August, Jones reported in excellent condition. That commitment impressed Small.
When the Aggies played their second game of the season last week at Alcorn State, Small rewarded Jones with a starting assignment. Jones responded by gaining 107 yards on 27 carries and scoring A&T's only touchdown in a 16-13 loss.
"He made a commitment to breaking into the lineup and he's done just that," Small said. "If you do the work, you're going to get the (playing) time."
Jones certainly has done the work.
A native of Goldsboro, he started for two seasons at Division II Elizabeth City State, which won just three games during that span. He transferred to A&T because he liked the tradition and sat out the 2002 season under NCAA rules.
"When I got here the coaches talked about building championships," Jones said. "That's the biggest thing I wanted, over playing time or anything.
"It was very humbling, coming from a situation where you were a starter to one where you were a walk-on. There were plenty of times I wanted to walk away but I just couldn't quit. It's for the love of the game."
A knee injury and a broken hand, plus three tailbacks ahead of him, limited Jones' playing time to special teams for most of last season.
"This summer I was pushing myself the hardest I've ever pushed myself," he said. "I ran hills every day. I have a friend, David Thornton, who plays with the Indianapolis Colts and I worked with him on a regular basis. It was a lot of physical and mental preparation. I got away from everybody to get myself ready for this season."
A&T's backfield picture changed when Frank Patterson left the team and Carl Scriven exhausted his eligibility. Micheaux Hollingsworth started the opener and Jones got the call against Alcorn State -- his first since 2001.
"When you sit out awhile," Jones said, "you have to adjust to the speed of the game and get your timing right in reading blocks, but it wasn't anything too hard."
Small liked the way Jones ran hard and kept his legs moving at Alcorn. Both Jones and Hollingsworth, who gained 85 yards, will continue to run the ball because Small likes a one-two punch.
LANDMARK GAME: Wake Forest will be the first Division I-A opponent the I-AA Aggies have ever played, and Small admits most people see his team as a long shot to win.
"Are we excited? Yes. Are we intimidated? No," Small said. "Anyone who saw (Wake's) game against Clemson knows that our hands are full this week."
So what advice will he give his players?
"Do your job to the best of your ability, be smart, play disciplined football and never give up."
INJURY REPORT: The injury of the most concern to the Aggies staff is backup quarterback Rico Watkins, who turned his foot against Alcorn State.
Small said Watkins tried to play, but was ineffective in his dropbacks. His status is day to day.
9-14-04
By Bill Hass Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO -- N.C. A&T football coach George Small noticed a familiar figure jogging in the parking lot when he went to rent a car this summer.
It was senior running back Christopher Jones.
Jones, a non-scholarship player, was earning money to help pay his way through school. That dedication impressed Small.
When training camp opened in early August, Jones reported in excellent condition. That commitment impressed Small.
When the Aggies played their second game of the season last week at Alcorn State, Small rewarded Jones with a starting assignment. Jones responded by gaining 107 yards on 27 carries and scoring A&T's only touchdown in a 16-13 loss.
"He made a commitment to breaking into the lineup and he's done just that," Small said. "If you do the work, you're going to get the (playing) time."
Jones certainly has done the work.
A native of Goldsboro, he started for two seasons at Division II Elizabeth City State, which won just three games during that span. He transferred to A&T because he liked the tradition and sat out the 2002 season under NCAA rules.
"When I got here the coaches talked about building championships," Jones said. "That's the biggest thing I wanted, over playing time or anything.
"It was very humbling, coming from a situation where you were a starter to one where you were a walk-on. There were plenty of times I wanted to walk away but I just couldn't quit. It's for the love of the game."
A knee injury and a broken hand, plus three tailbacks ahead of him, limited Jones' playing time to special teams for most of last season.
"This summer I was pushing myself the hardest I've ever pushed myself," he said. "I ran hills every day. I have a friend, David Thornton, who plays with the Indianapolis Colts and I worked with him on a regular basis. It was a lot of physical and mental preparation. I got away from everybody to get myself ready for this season."
A&T's backfield picture changed when Frank Patterson left the team and Carl Scriven exhausted his eligibility. Micheaux Hollingsworth started the opener and Jones got the call against Alcorn State -- his first since 2001.
"When you sit out awhile," Jones said, "you have to adjust to the speed of the game and get your timing right in reading blocks, but it wasn't anything too hard."
Small liked the way Jones ran hard and kept his legs moving at Alcorn. Both Jones and Hollingsworth, who gained 85 yards, will continue to run the ball because Small likes a one-two punch.
LANDMARK GAME: Wake Forest will be the first Division I-A opponent the I-AA Aggies have ever played, and Small admits most people see his team as a long shot to win.
"Are we excited? Yes. Are we intimidated? No," Small said. "Anyone who saw (Wake's) game against Clemson knows that our hands are full this week."
So what advice will he give his players?
"Do your job to the best of your ability, be smart, play disciplined football and never give up."
INJURY REPORT: The injury of the most concern to the Aggies staff is backup quarterback Rico Watkins, who turned his foot against Alcorn State.
Small said Watkins tried to play, but was ineffective in his dropbacks. His status is day to day.