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Tennessee: Jones taking over as Pirates star

By: Stephen Hargis
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It was as quiet a 1,300-yard season as any running back has had in recent memory.

David Jones was overshadowed last season by teammate Robert Robinson, who rushed for more yards than any area high school back before, in a South Pittsburg offense that buried opponents under an avalanche of points.

Now that Robinson and two other record-breaking offensive stars have graduated from the Class 1A state champions, the eyes of opponents and recruiters will be fixed on Jones.

“I know it sounds strange, but David really flew under the radar in a lot of ways last year,” Pirates coach Vic Grider said. “We had a lot of senior weapons that we could count on, but now it’s his turn to step up and I’m excited to see what he can do as the featured back.

“It’s no secret that he’ll be the focal point for us, and he’s got the ability to take over a game on either side of the ball, really. He’s scary in the open field.”

Staff Photo by Patrick Smith -- South Pittsburg linebacker David Jones was selected as a member of the 2008 Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen. Photo taken July 13, 2008.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Jones averaged more than 11 yards per carry last season and scored 18 touchdowns. He received more attention at linebacker, where he made 120 tackles with six sacks and caused five fumbles. He was all-state and named the BlueCross Bowl defensive MVP.

“I gained a lot of confidence last year just by staying healthy and being on the field,” Jones said. “I want to lead us back to another state championship, and I’ll be honest, I want to break Robert’s records and get about 2,500 yards this year.”

Jones already has scholarship offers from Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State and is being heavily recruited by Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama and North Carolina.

His size and speed have drawn comparisons to former Pirates star Eddie Moore, who played linebacker at Tennessee and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.

“Naturally, any time we have a kid with good size and speed, that’s going to be the measuring stick,” Grider said. “But they’re really two different type players. Eddie was a powerful downhill runner, and David is better in the open field. He has great vision and that ability to redirect quickly and take off.

“The fact that he’s got his act together academically is a huge reason he’s gotten so many early offers. Wherever he winds up going, David will be a difference maker on either side of the ball.”

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