The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Riverside grad eyes 40 drop
Jones pursues NFL dream with pro day at Gannon
ERIE, PA. » This was all new to Marcus Jones as Gannon University hosted a pro day for the Division II All-American running back, a few of his teammates and other prospects in the Pennsylvania region.
That’s because the Riverside graduate had never experienced a combine-like atmosphere before March 21, where Jones was the main attraction.
What everyone in attendance and NFL scouts wanted to see was the big unknown — Jones’ 40-yard dash time. At Gannon’s Recreation and Wellness Center, the 225-pound running back did not wow those in attendance, but he didn’t hurt stock either.
Jones’ first of two attempts produced his best time. One timer showed 4.58 seconds, another 4.62 seconds. The assessment from Jones was to learn from the experience, continue to train and improve with an eye to April 12, when he and other prospects from Northeast Ohio will participate at a Browns pro day in Berea.
“I’m not where I want to be, and I know it’s a process,” said Jones. “I know I’ve got work to do … This was a big test for me. I didn’t really go to any camps in high school, so it’s the first type of combine feel I’ve got to experience. It was definitely a learning experience, and we got some of it on tape.”
Jones and his trainers will use that tape to get back to work on his start, which Jones said wasn’t fluid enough.
He also went through a number of other drills including the three-cone shuffle, the broad and high jump, bench press and caught a number of passes on routes.
Regardless of the pro day results, Jones’ agent — the Los Angeles-based Arthur Gamble — said there’s buzz surrounding his client. So much so he believes Jones will get drafted.
Gamble said the Rams, Chargers, Giants, Raiders and Colts have expressed interest. That list might include the Browns after
April 12.
“The goal for him is to be successful, and go to a team where he can have a long career,” said Gamble, who previously worked with the Raiders and has worked in the business for more than 25 years. “My belief with almost 30 years of experience is that he’s very likely to get drafted. Which teams know about you? The Division II challenge is that a lot of teams don’t nationally know about you, so you don’t know who does know about you.”
Jones certainly made a name for himself with two seasons at Gannon, where he was an firstteam All-America pick as a junior with more than 2,000 rushing yards, then a second-team pick in 2018 as a senior when he had 1,708 yards and 21 touchdowns.
In his last game in college, Jones rushed for a school-record 410 yards and scored seven touchdowns against Lock Haven. He’s the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,339 yards and 54 TDs. It’s that type of production that has Gamble thinking big about his client.
“Marcus is literally one Marcus Jones after running his 40-yard dash at Gannon’s pro day in Erie, Pa., on March 21.
of the top five backs in the country right now,” he said. “Based on talent, based on ability ... all divisions. He just has a special set of skills that’s hard to find. He’s just gifted. His work ethic, his vision – he’s got it all.”
Jones said he wasn’t nervous
during the pro day and was appreciative Gannon arranged the event.
“It means a lot to host it here,” he said. “I don’t think this is a yearly thing that they do. They took the time to put this event together, and I appreciate it.”
The “process” Jones speaks of while training for the draft really amped up in mid-January when he was invited to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at the Rose Bowl. There, he was quickly switched from running back to fullback. That ability to switch positions helped his draft stock, said Gamble. For Jones, it was big.
“I just wanted to play,” said Jones about the switch to fullback. “Our team had six running backs and no fullbacks. They asked, and I stepped up to the plate.”
That willingness and ability to adapt should serve Jones well as he approaches the final stages of draft preparation. It’s a process that’s been long for Jones, and with good reason.
He’s taking 21 credit hours this semester at Gannon and is on track to graduate in May.
A few weeks prior to his May 9 graduation date is the April 25-27 NFL Draft.
Jones getting drafted would be the ultimate graduation gift, but there’s work to be done with emphasis on his 40 time.
“Definitely room for improvement,” he said.