LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (October 6, 2008) -- Sophomore strong safety Daron Jones (Baltimore, Md./Cardinal Gibbons HS) (Baltimore, MD/Cardinal Gibbons) was named Lincoln's MVP at the Fifth Annual Prince George's Classic.
In the 28-2 loss to Bowie State, Jones finished with a game-high 14 tackles for the Lions. Four of Jones' tackles went for losses and he was also credited with a half-sack his second for the season.
“He performed up to par,” said assistant coach and offensive coordinator L. Josh Kyner. “That's what we as a coaching staff have been looking for from Daron the whole season. He showed up and had a good game.”
Jones credits the defense for his success because of how hard they work and play together. He said with players like Carlos Velasquez (North Hills, CA/San Fernando), Joseph Billups (Philadelphia, PA/Glen Mills), McElwee and Sterile on the field, they push him to work harder.
“Carlos helps me out on the field a lot he is a smart guy,” said Jones.
Jones expected a win against the Bulldogs but said defense being on the field for 40 of a possible 60 minutes was tough.
Jones said playing at the classic was like a homecoming for him and he knew he had to show up.
“My mother (Demetria Webb) is my motivation and biggest fan and she was there cheering at the game,” said Jones who has been playing football all his life.
“It's just something we do in my family,” said Jones.
His father, Jones said, made all the men in his family play football and Jones took a liking to it right away so he never mind playing. Jones' older brother Antwarn Jones is a starting running back at Seton Hill College in Greenburg (Pa.).
“He is the reason I play because I want to work as hard as him to get the same achievements,” said Jones.
Jones is now third on the team with tackles (39) following Brandon McElwee (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester City Junior and Senior HS) (50) and Bruce-Lee Sterile (57). Collectively Jones has 6.5 tackles for loss adding up to 15 yards.
“Lincoln was an opportunity for me to play on a new team and get more time on the field,” said Jones who recently transferred from Robert Morris College.
In high school Jones played both offense and defensive playing fullback and strong safety along with a few other positions. Jones describes himself as a superb offensive player but says defense is where his heart is.
Lincoln's plays Virginia Union Saturday October 11, 2008 and 1:30 p.m. in Richmond, VA. The game can be heard live on www.brandywineradio.com with Ryan Messick calling all of the action.
