University of Tennessee Athletics
Jones Adds a Slash to Vols
August 12, 2003 | Football
Aug. 12, 2003
Mark Jones just wanted a spot on the Tennessee playing field. Now he's got three.
After bouncing from wide receiver to kick/punt returner to defensive back, he's slated for duty at each position in 2003 as he looks to squeeze as much playing time as possible out of his senior season.
"The only time I want to be out of the game is if I'm injured," Jones said. "And hopefully, that doesn't happen."
Moonlighting
Coaches are typically reluctant to ask players to pull double duty, but at least four Vols have a slash in their position listing and the numbers are growing nationwide as well. Others at UT include junior receiver/tailback Derrick Tinsley, sophomore receiver/defensive back Jonathan Wade and sophomore receiver/quarterback James Banks.
"The last four, five, six years we've seen it more," said Vols' offensive coordinator Randy Sanders. "Partly, I think it's because of the scholarship reduction to 85. You don't have the depth you did before. Initially, there was some resistance because it had not been done for so long. That seems to be diminishing."
New firepower
After UT mustered only three points in a frustrating Peach Bowl loss to Maryland last December, head coach Phillip Fulmer immediately began a search for someone who could infuse this year's Vols with some offensive juice.
"Mark brings us the potential to be that guy," Fulmer said. "He can separate himself from the defensive backs and make the big plays. He's shown a lot of savvy."
Jones made the move back to receiver last spring, but defensive coordinator John Chavis retained a hold on Jones as a safety for about 20 snaps a game in the Vols' Mustang package, which features six defensive backs. Jones likes continuing in his defensive role, but is excited about playing his favorite position on offense.
"I like catching the ball and making something happen," he said.
Jones was the 1999 USA Today state player of the year as a receiver back at Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, Pa. Sanders sees him as the explosive weapon that the Vols need. But the gun can't be fired if it's left in the holster, so even though Jones carries defensive responsibilities, Sanders endorsed making him an offensive player as well.
"It's an effort to get the best 11 players on the field," Sanders said.
Jones isn't a rookie, having appeared in 36 games. While listed as the starter in only four contests, Jones was a regular in the secondary last season with 55 total hits, six pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery. He also averaged 9.2 yards on 26 punt returns and 34.5 yards on four kick returns, including an 82-yarder for a touchdown against Alabama.
Study table
Jumping into a second position without experience is a bit like taking a final exam without reading the textbook. It's often done, but usually not very well.
"College football is not like high school," Sanders said. "You can't just put someone out there and tell them what to run. You have to learn to adjust to multiple formations and shifts. Rarely do you just call a coverage and that's what you see. It takes a while to be comfortable.
"Mark has an advantage because he was a receiver for a couple months when he got here as a freshman. And last year he spent about 10 minutes a day on offense. So he's really just taken that base and built on it. Mark's done a great job of picking up the offense."
Jones isn't worried about the homework assignments. But he knows that taking the exam at full speed for three hours each Saturday could leave a player gasping for the Rocky Top air.
"Conditioning is the hardest part," Jones said. "I'm exhausted in practice now and we haven't even touched special teams in practice yet."
However, he has no doubts about being ready on the first test day, Aug. 30 against Fresno State. Being asked to be the offensive answer gives Jones an adrenaline lift.
"It makes me feel good," he said. "It tells me the coaches have confidence in me and believe in me. When it comes down to it, I want them to know they can count on me when they do call my number."
Larry Happel
