Could Howard Jones Play on Sundays?

All young football players dream of playing in the National Football League. Every kid fantasizes about being paid boat-loads of money to do something they love. Recently, a former Ram, Dom Jones, has been able to play in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Potentially, a few current Rams could join him very soon. Chief among the candidates is defensive end Howard Jones. To be noticed in a lower level of college football, one must truly stand out to the scouts. One way could be gaudy statistics; another way could be freak athleticism. Or, you could just have both. If you have both, your name could be Howard Jones. Jones arrived at Shepherd as a wide receiver. However, after displaying hands that were deemed less than stellar, the football staff elected to move him to defensive end.  It was a match made in heaven.  Jones’ freak speed was nothing short of terror for opposing WVIAC offensive lineman. “There are no words to describe just how much Howard disrupts an offense,” rising junior linebacker Nick Pugh said. “At the Division II level, he is an absolute nightmare to block.”  Pugh is not the only person to take notice. During the off-season, the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles both watched him workout. “Anytime you have professional scouts showing up, well, it is obviously a positive for the program,” sophomore kicker Ryan Earls replied. The young, Kent Island, Md. native is not far off in his thinking; when scouts show up, chances are they may see another prospect they like. That player may be defensive tackle Mike Franklin who helps out Jones on the field. “They play along the d-line together. I’d hate to have to block them both,” senior punter Troy McNeil said. “I would not be shocked at all if they both eventually played some form of pro football.” Both of the aforementioned players are entering their final years of eligibility. You can see them take the field for the first time in the upcoming season on Sept. 7 when the Rams take on their rival, Shippensburg. It will also be the first time you can see the Rams play as members of the newly-minted Mountain East Conference.