1. He was a Record-Breaker at USC
Ronald Jones II seemed to fly under the radar a bit when it comes to the top of this year’s running back class. That, by no means, was due to his performance in college. Over three seasons, Jones rushed for 3,619 yards and 39 touchdowns. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons after going for 987 as a freshman in 2015. Over his three years in college, his lowest yards per carry average was 5.9.
Jones is near the top of a couple of categories in the Trojans’ record books, which is impressive considering some of the other names included. He finished his career at No. 5 on the school’s career rushing yards list, ahead of O.J. Simpson, Reggie Bush and LenDale White. He was just behind former Buc Ricky Bell, who held the fourth spot. Jones’ 1,550 yards as a junior was the eighth-most rushing yards in a single season by a Trojan, passing Charles White, Simpson and current Ravens running back Javorius Allen.
It wasn’t all yardage for Jones, though, as his touchdown numbers have him in the record books as well. His 39 career rushing touchdowns rank him fifth in program history. On that list, he is ahead Allen, Bell, Bush and Simpson. His 19 touchdowns as a junior are tied for the fourth-most in a single season. It’s safe to say that if he can put together similar numbers in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform, this pick will be looked back on as a steal.