Steven Jones Jr. Explained

Steven Jones Jr.
Current Team:Arlington Renegades
Number:28
Position:Cornerback
Birth Date:1 February 1999
Birth Place:Rockingham, North Carolina, U.S.
Height Ft:5
Height In:10
Weight Lb:180
High School:Richmond Senior (NC)
College:Appalachian State (2017–2022)
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
Pfr:JoneSt01

Steven Sedgewon Jones Jr. (born February 1, 1999) is an American football cornerback for the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Appalachian State.

Early life

Jones was born on February 1, 1999, in Rockingham, North Carolina. He attended Richmond Senior High School where he made 35 tackles and three interceptions as a senior, earning all-conference honors. He was rated a two-star cornerback by 247Sports and Scout.com.[1]

College career

Jones committed to Appalachian State University, spending his first season as a redshirt. In his second year, 2018, he appeared in 13 games, mainly on special teams. In a 72–7 win over Gardner–Webb, he blocked two punts and returned one for his first career touchdown. His performance earned him Sun Belt Conference Special Team Player of the Week honors. He made five tackles in the season.[1]

As a sophomore in 2019, Jones started two games and appeared in a total of 13, making seven tackles. He played in every games in the following season, being the third cornerback on the team's depth chart. He returned interceptions for 97 total yards and scored a touchdown against Troy. He also served as the Appalachian State kick returner, averaging 21.9 yards per return.[1]

As a senior in 2021, Jones appeared in all 14 games and started all but one. He made 51 tackles and ranked top 20 in the nation for passes defended with 13. In a game against Arkansas State, he made three interceptions and returned two for touchdowns, earning the Walter Camp and Bronko Nagurski awards for best defensive player of the week.[2] He placed second in the nation and first in his conference with five interceptions on the year, and was first nationally in interceptions returned for touchdowns. At the end of the year, Jones was named first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America.[3] He was also a first-team all-conference selection.[1]

Professional career

Tennessee Titans

Jones was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023.[4] He was waived on August 29, 2023.[5]

Arlington Renegades

On December 20, 2023, Jones signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Steven Jones Jr. - Football - App State Athletics. Appalachian State Mountaineers.
  2. Web site: App State cornerback's journey from special teams to setting records. The Appalachian. January 22, 2022. Bailey, Drew.
  3. News: Mountaineers cornerback keeps All-American streak going . Greensboro.com. December 10, 2021.
  4. Web site: Titans Agree to Terms With 14 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents, Including Two Receivers and a Kicker. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. May 12, 2023.
  5. Web site: Titans Trim Roster Ahead of NFL's Deadline. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. August 29, 2023.