Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/842937
have a better summer, then I'm not going to be RB1,' which is obviously the goal." Ability never has been an issue. Jones probably is the most well-rounded of Purdue's running back options. Off handoffs, he's proven to be fearless, not only willing to pound between the tackles but eager to deliver blows. He has shown surprising game speed as well, at points, to even break free. He's more than capable in pass protection, and he's the most sure-handed receiver of the group. That latter element could help him separate from the packed depth chart, especially considering Brohm has been open to utilizing Jones in the slot. "I've been lobbying for that because I think I have — I'm competitive as far as my hands are concerned in the running back room and even amongst the wide receiv- ers," Jones said. "I would love to do that. Occasionally, whenever we do routes on air, I'll go with the receivers, and I'll go catch some balls. If we're just out there with our player-led stuff, I'll be out there with the receivers catching balls on the JUGs (machine) just like they are because I want to make sure I'm at least showing the coaches I'm willing to go anywhere. "They've told me I'm a mix of everything. I've got good hands. I can do the in-between tackles. I'm pretty good in the open field and everything. I just try to be a weapon everywhere I can be." The key for Jones, though, will be how diligently he works — and how badly he wants to be great. He's ad- mitted to not having the best practice habits, and that flaw seemed exacerbated last year with ultra-worker D.J. Knox injured and unable to push him. But early in the summer, Jones reported he and Knox were 1-2 in condi- tioning drills in the first week. Knox desperately wants to earn back his starting job — Jones took it away in 2015 and, then, Knox was in- jured — but he knows if Jones is dialed in, that could be a challenge. "I feel like it was just a maturity period," Knox said of Jones' first two seasons and trying to handle the spot- light. "I can definitely see him making strides to become the person he wants to be. "I definitely do feel like we have a lot of guys who can get the job done. I feel like nobody on this team is irre- placeable. In this offense, it's not too demanding of just one person because it has so many moving pieces. One way or another, you're going to get it done, but it's all a factor if he wants to be a part of that. I can definitely see, just because I know him as a person, being in the room with him every day, he wants to be a part of that. I feel like it just took him time to find his way." — Stacy Clardie GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 6 26 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas Dallas, TX 1606043 Good day, bad day or any day – I'm here for you in all life's moments, backed by the #1* insurance company for auto, home and life. CALL ME TODAY. For every "oh no," there's an "oh yeah." *Based on written premium as reported by SNL Financial 2014. Trent B Johnson, Agent 249 E State Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 Bus: 765-743-9595 trentismyagent.com TUNE IN TO KEEP UP Gold and Black Radio Listen at 10 a.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. Fridays this fall Available at GoldandBlack.com, via iTunes or on your podcast app