3. He Has a Background in Track
Ronald Jones II ran his 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds at the NFL Combine last month. That’s not a bad time by any means, but it’s not as fast as some other running backs in this year’s draft. But with that time aside, the newest Tampa Bay running back has a background in track and field. Back at McKinney North High School, he was a district champion in the 100-meter. In the spring of 2016, he spent some time on the USC track team.
Simply by looking at his 40-yard dash time, you might not think of Jones II as someone with a lot of speed. But his game is driven by a combination of power and elusiveness. His NFL.com draft profile notes his “deadly stop-start” that can “ruin linebackers trying to pace and mirror him.” Acceleration is a big strength for the former Trojan, and at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, he should serve as a nice No. 1 in a 1-2 punch with Peyton Barber.
His speed worked well for high school track and field, but it certainly helped his high school football career as well. Over his junior and senior seasons, he went for over 2,000 yards and racked up 67 touchdowns. That type of production is needed in Tampa Bay, especially considering the importance of a solid running game in Dirk Koetter’s offense.
Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans react to Ronald Jones II
There you have it, Bucs fans. Licht and staff now have the team’s running back of the future. Take some time to find him on Twitter @rojo and welcome him to Tampa Bay.