Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Jones ready to reach 2 major milestones
4/29/2021 5:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Former Middle Tennessee lineman Robert Jones is preparing for what might be the biggest week and a half of his life.
The NFL Draft's first round starts Thursday night, and while Jones might not be expecting to hear his name called in the first round or two, scouts have told him to be ready on Day 3.
"I'm just blessed to be a part of the process and for the opportunity," he said. "It's been crazy with a lot of workouts, but it's been fun. This is what you dream about as a kid."
If his name does indeed get called, Jones would be the first Blue Raider offensive lineman drafted in school history.
Jones is excited for the chance to enter an exclusive group of former Middle Tennessee players who've been drafted. There have been 33 all-time, the last being Richie James when he was taken in the seventh round of the 2018 draft by San Francisco.
"I'm so grateful to be able to represent MT," Jones said. "Coming out of JUCO, Middle Tennessee gave me an opportunity to play. … They pushed me and helped guide me to get my degree and have a chance to fulfill my dreams.
"I want to be that example to show Middle Tennessee has a lot to offer for players to get them to the next level."
The attention on Jones has ratcheted up since the end of his senior season, in which he earned his second Honorable Mention All-Conference USA honor.
He was invited to participate in the Reese's Senior Bowl and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and took advantage of his time in the spotlight, showing off his skills at guard, tackle and even a little center.
Measuring in at 6-foot-4, 319 pounds, Jones is hoping his well-roundedness helps him stick wherever he's needed in the NFL.
"I can play wherever they need me," he said. "If they want me on special teams running down the field, I'll do that too. I just want the opportunity to see the field."
Jones' focus hasn't been solely on preparing for the draft the last few weeks. He's also been completing his undergraduate degree in integrated studies.
While he might not be able to attend in-person, Jones will graduate next weekend. It's a dream at times he didn't think would come true, and now he wants to obtain a master's degree in the next few years.
"I'm blessed to be able to have this opportunity and to graduate on time," he said. "At the end of the day, there's way more to life than football. I always knew that football was basically a vehicle to where I want to be, but the real goal was to get my degree."
Middle Tennessee may have prepared Jones the last two years for a career in the NFL, but there might not be anything that could prepare him for the next 10 or so days. It's sure to be filled with plenty of tears of joy after fulfilling two of his biggest life milestones.
"It's all just a blessing," he said. "I'm going to take it all in with my family and just enjoy it."
The NFL Draft's first round starts Thursday night, and while Jones might not be expecting to hear his name called in the first round or two, scouts have told him to be ready on Day 3.
"I'm just blessed to be a part of the process and for the opportunity," he said. "It's been crazy with a lot of workouts, but it's been fun. This is what you dream about as a kid."
If his name does indeed get called, Jones would be the first Blue Raider offensive lineman drafted in school history.
Jones is excited for the chance to enter an exclusive group of former Middle Tennessee players who've been drafted. There have been 33 all-time, the last being Richie James when he was taken in the seventh round of the 2018 draft by San Francisco.
"I'm so grateful to be able to represent MT," Jones said. "Coming out of JUCO, Middle Tennessee gave me an opportunity to play. … They pushed me and helped guide me to get my degree and have a chance to fulfill my dreams.
"I want to be that example to show Middle Tennessee has a lot to offer for players to get them to the next level."
The attention on Jones has ratcheted up since the end of his senior season, in which he earned his second Honorable Mention All-Conference USA honor.
He was invited to participate in the Reese's Senior Bowl and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and took advantage of his time in the spotlight, showing off his skills at guard, tackle and even a little center.
Measuring in at 6-foot-4, 319 pounds, Jones is hoping his well-roundedness helps him stick wherever he's needed in the NFL.
"I can play wherever they need me," he said. "If they want me on special teams running down the field, I'll do that too. I just want the opportunity to see the field."
Jones' focus hasn't been solely on preparing for the draft the last few weeks. He's also been completing his undergraduate degree in integrated studies.
While he might not be able to attend in-person, Jones will graduate next weekend. It's a dream at times he didn't think would come true, and now he wants to obtain a master's degree in the next few years.
"I'm blessed to be able to have this opportunity and to graduate on time," he said. "At the end of the day, there's way more to life than football. I always knew that football was basically a vehicle to where I want to be, but the real goal was to get my degree."
Middle Tennessee may have prepared Jones the last two years for a career in the NFL, but there might not be anything that could prepare him for the next 10 or so days. It's sure to be filled with plenty of tears of joy after fulfilling two of his biggest life milestones.
"It's all just a blessing," he said. "I'm going to take it all in with my family and just enjoy it."
Players Mentioned
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