The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Jones’ first audition is on tap
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl could lead to more opportunities to impress
Marcus Jones is in Pasadena, Calif., this week preparing for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Before he headed out west, Jones and his girlfriend had dinner with Dave Bors, Jones’ high school coach at Riverside High School.
The coach has been a mentor of Jones, and Bors’ message to the All-America running back from Gannon this week was to the point.
“I told him, ‘This is your tryout for the NFL,’ “said Bors. “This is his shot to get noticed.”
The game is Jan. 19 at the Rose Bowl, where a number of players from the FBS, FCS and Division II levels will compete for attention from the 32 NFL teams. More than 200 NFL representatives are expected at the Rose Bowl this week. Jones is on the American Team.
Jones received his invitation to the all-star game after Gannon’s season was over in early November. Last year’s game featured 19 eventual NFL Draft picks and 42 who were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
There aren’t many big-time star players on either roster, but that doesn’t mean much when trying to get to the next level.
The Bears’ Tarik Cohen of North Carolina AT&T is an alumni of the 2017 bowl game, and was a fourthround pick of Chicago the same year Mitchell Trubisky of Mentor went No. 2 overall.
Jones is hoping to make a similar impression. His play during his three years at Gannon earned him his invite to the Rose Bowl, but things really get intense this week.
“As the days have gone on, it’s become more of a goal as opposed to a dream for Marcus,” said Bors. “There’s still that element of the unknown with him. He’ll be scrutinized like never before this week.”
Jones said several NFL teams visited and talked to him at Gannon during his senior season. Bors has been contacted by the Browns and Raiders about Jones via mail, and a representative of the Los Angeles Rams recently visited him at Riverside High School to discuss Jones.
“This guy could have cared less about his playing ability,” said Bors. “We went as far back to the sixth grade. He must have taken seven pages of notes, but the thing is these teams can’t get it wrong. Jobs are on the line. To you and I, it seems absurd, but for these teams they have to get it right.”
When Jones recieved notice of his invite to the Jan. 19 game, it was a boost to his confidence about playing at the next level. He transferred from Division II Findlay to D-II Gannon and in three seasons left as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,339 yards and 54 rushing touchdowns. His final game left a lasting impression. He rushed for 410 yards and seven touchdowns against Lock Haven.
Jones was also an AllAmerica selection his last two seasons at Gannon. That recognition and production earned him the invite to the Rose Bowl. What he does with that invite, said Bors, is big.
“Marcus is very aware of his strengths and weaknesses, and he’s working on it,” said Bors.
The No. 1 factor in Jones’ favor is his size. He’s 5-foot11, and about 230 pounds, which is ideal for NFL standards.
“His size is what is getting him in the ballgame,” said Bors. “He can squat 500 pounds, and that’s where his power comes from. He has very powerful hips. He runs people over, and his center of gravity is so powerful.”
The No. 1 factor against Jones is his speed, and that’s remains a question mark. He would not go on record when asked about his 40-yard dash time. Going back to when Jones was being recruited as a high school junior and senior, Bors said he does not know of a recorded 40 time for Jones.
“It’s the best thing to happen for Marcus,” said Bors, “because when he puts the pads on, it’s not about the 40 time. When he puts the pads on, look out. And his vision is second to none.”
But in November Jones did admit, “Most of the (NFL) scouts reaching out to me want to see my 40 time. That’s the No. 1 thing for sure.”
More than just playing, the entire week in Pasadena is big for Jones. How a player practices and carries himself can be as important as the game itself in the eyes of NFL decision makers. Bors’ message to Jones while in California: Everyone will be watching.
“It could even be the maid cleaning up your room,” said Bors.
The importance of this week isn’t lost on Jones. A solid one could lead to bigger things as he continues pre-draft training.
“Marcus is waiting to see if he gets the big invite,” said Bors, referring to the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, set for late February.
That’s down the road. What’s next for Jones is the chance to show the NFL he’s worthy. Bors hopes teams see what he does.
“If a franchise brings him in, Marcus will add instant value,” said Bors. “Even if it’s just on the practice squad. He’ll bring a football mentality, and he’ll bring a lot of tools.”