Lithonia’s J. Jones receiving good look

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons rookie defensive end/linebacker J’Terius Jones, who played at Lithonia’s Miller Grove High School before starring at Miami of Ohio, has a lot of pressure on him.

He’s wearing jersey No. 55. Yes, the same that belonged to the great John Abraham.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” said Jones. “I’ve got really big shoes to fill, absolutely. I’m up to the challenge.”

Jones made 35.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks in three seasons at Miami. Overlooked in the draft, the Falcons scooped him up as a college free agent.

“Just blessed to be out here and be among such great teammates and great coaches,” Jones said. “I’ll try to fly around and do my thing. It’s been great for me.”

Jones (6 feet 3, 245 pounds) is accustomed to being unnoticed. He also went under the SEC and ACC recruiting radar.

“Back in high school, my high school coach, coach (Damien) Wimes took us to Ohio State’s camp and there were a bunch of coaches there,” Jones said. “I went up there and did my thing and got in contact with the Miami of Ohio staff.

“They really liked me. They were like one of the first few schools that offered me a scholarship. Once I learned about the great tradition there and my uncle had a connection with a couple of coaches who went through there, either played there or coached there, once they talked it up, I took my visit and committed.”

Travis Jones, the former Georgia standout who is Seattle’s defensive line coach, is his uncle.

He flourished in the Mid-American Conference, which has produced its share of NFL stars, including Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (Miami) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (Central Michigan).

“People down South don’t really know about the MAC until we have first-round draft picks,” Jones said. “We had a lot of guys coming out of the MAC who are in the league right now. There’s some great competition in the MAC.”

Falcons coach Dan Quinn personally called Jones after he went undrafted.

“I did go to the locals (scout) day and after the seventh-round, coach Quinn called and offered me a deal, which I took,” Jones said. “I felt like this was the best place for me because I would be able to play multiple positions.”

Jones has been bouncing from defensive end and weakside linebacker and played a few snaps at strongside linebacker early in camp.

Jones caught the coaches’ attention with his speed and rushing ability. Now that the pads are on, he will likely have to perform well on special teams to make the team.

“He’s doing a good job,” special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said. “Very willing. He’s a big kid who can run. Very willing and he’ll play on all phases. He’ll play on the big four plus field goal block.”

The big four special teams consist of punt coverage, punt return, kickoff coverage and kickoff return.

Jones plans to make the best of his shot.

“I felt overlooked, but you know God has a plan,” Jones said. “God is in total control. I just take my opportunity every day to work hard and to compete against whoever it is, teammates or the other team. It’s worked out for me.”