There is little doubt that Shepherd University boasts an excellent Division II football program. However, the program doesn’t put too much talent into the professional ranks. Tight end Dominique Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs can call Shepherd his own, but beyond that, the cupboard is bare.
Enter defensive end Howard Jones. A graduate of Freedom High School in Woodbridge, Va., Jones is the Rams all-time sack leader with a career total of 38.
Oddly, Jones came to Shepherd as a receiver, but was switched to defensive end where his length and athleticism were on full display.
After his career came to an end, he was invited to participate in the NFLPA Bowl, and then the National Football League Combine in Indianapolis, Ind. After a solid showing in the NFLPA Bowl in which he recovered a fumble, he performed superbly at the combine.
Jones posted a 4.60 second 40-yard dash time, second to only Jadeveon Clowney of the University of South Carolina, who very may well end up being the first pick in the entire draft. He also did the same number of bench press repetitions as the former Gamecocks lineman and out leaped him in the vertical jump. Jones also jumped an impressive 124.0 inches in the broad jump. He did nothing but improve his standing heading into the draft.
According to the Shepherd Inside Linebackers Coach Mike Silecchia—who happens to have a contact within the Arizona Cardinals—believes that the Virginia native will be picked between the third and fifth rounds of the draft. Jones has been ranked as high as the 96 best prospect available, and there is definitely the chance that a team falls in love with his rare athletic ability and takes him before he is projected to go.
Many of his Shepherd teammates are excited for him.
“I think he can help a team, especially one that lacks a pass rush,” sophomore place kicker Ryan Earls said. “I’ve seen that guy do some incredible stuff. I’m happy for him and hope he goes to a stable franchise,” the Mountain East Conference first team kicker said.
Offensive lineman Hussam Ouri has an idea of where he’d like to see Jones go. “Cowboys, no doubt. They need someone to replace DeMarcus Ware. Even if they don’t cut Ware this off-season, they need someone to replace his athleticism off the edge one day,” the Rams center said.
The NFL draft will begin on May 8 and end on the May 10. It will be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Don’t be surprised if Jones ends up being taken by the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs where he could team up with his old teammate Dominique Jones, who is of no relation.
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