|
CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
-----
|
 |
One-on-One with the
Pirates
Sunday,
August 29, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
Justin Jones
By
Ron Cherubini
©2010 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
A player that was described not too long ago
as a
project, former tight end Justin Jones is proving to be a bit of an
offensive enigma for East Carolina. At 6-8 and 252 pounds with a receiver's
mentality, the now wide receiver has enjoyed an impressive spring, summer
and fall heading into the season. A giant to cover, linebackers will
struggle to out-battle him for quick-hitters at the second level and
downfield. He is swift and agile enough to get body position and then, of
course, has the wingspan to get his hands on the ball – high, low, left or
right – before his coverage can get it. A special weapon in the arsenal for
sure, Jones has received rave reviews from his own teammates – offensive and
defensive alike. How he performs under game pressure is yet to be seen, but
all indicators point to a big, impact player ready to make an early name for
himself.
Justin was kind enough to sit down
for a chat with Bonesville to share his insights on the upcoming
season.
Q: For some guys, like Kevin
Gidrey, the arrival of this offense left them feeling outside looking in,
yet you seemed to quickly embrace it. Share your thoughts on the transition
to wide receiver?
A: It is a lot
different standing up and splitting out and stuff like that. I am a wide
receiver in this offense. Whenever a tight end is called for in, like, our
Big Man packages, red zone, short yardages, I will still line up more like a
traditional tight end. As far as the transition goes, it is a lot more
running and blocking from a stand up position, so I have some things to
learn, but it is going great.
 Q:
What has been the easiest for you in this position switch?
A: Catching the football from
that position. (Catching the ball) is one of the things that coaches say is
one of my strengths. Route running and catching the ball and getting up the
field for extra yards even if I have somebody on my back.
Q: Who on this team do you
most respect as a player and why?
A: Tough question man. I
would have to say that I really love Dominique Davis. I know he just got
here, but he really strives to build this team. He really does try to be a
team leader and he is vocal in the huddle, he picks you up after a bad play.
He is just one of those football guys who I really enjoy being around.
Q: Share your thoughts on the
QB battle going in camp right now?
A: As far as I am concerned,
they all throw the ball well and have my respect. For Dominique, on of his
biggest attributes is that he can make things happen even when the pocket
breaks down. And Brad (Wornick), Brad is just a smart quarterback. He is composed in
the pocket. I would say Dominique does have the upper hand because of his
athleticism.
 Q:
Talking to some of your teammates, they described the things you can do in
the receiving game as jaw-dropping and unfair to the defense. With your
first major collegiate action coming on September 5, how excited
are you to show the nation what you and this offense can do?
A: I am excited, really
excited. To hear guys say that feels great. Coming off of a redshirt
year, you really want to
get out here and play. I got used to playing on scout team and I have never
been a guy on the bench, so I am excited to get on the field. I am ready
to show what I can do, but I also know my role on this team.
E-mail Ron Cherubini
Ron Cherubini Archives
08/30/2010 12:59 AM |
