New Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones II knows the importance of being a well rounded player and is excited to take on the new challenge.
If you’re going to be an every down back in the NFL, it’s vital that you do more than just carry the ball effectively. You have to understand defensive formations and assignments to be an effective pass blocker and you have to be a reliable outlet in the passing game. For new Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones, those are things he has to work on, but is willing to take on the challenge.
At USC, Jones had a modest but not overly impressive time as a receiving back. He finished his career with 32 receptions for 302 yards and three touchdowns in 40 games played. One of the positive signs is that his receptions and yards increased each season, showing the trend of comfortability on Jones’ part and trust on the part of his quarterback and offensive coordinator.
That doesn’t mean it’s a refined part of his game.
During rookie mini-camp, Jones spoke on the issue during his media availability when asked if he was looking forward to the opportunity to catch more passes;
"“Oh, most definitely, yeah, because as a running back you’re not always going to be in space. If you’re out there on the perimeter you get a lot more opportunities to take it to the house. It’s just being an all-around back.”"
As for the pass blocking, Jones understands how important it is and how hard he will have to work to ensure he’s on the field in those situations;
"“I think right now I’m just still identifying it based on the schemes that we’re running and things like that. Once we put the pads on we’ll really see, but I think right now I’m doing pretty well.”"
If Jones can’t get those two facets down to a science, he isn’t going to be the dynamic player the Buccaneers, or their fans, believe he can be. It will become another situation where opposing defenses will know what’s coming based on the player in at running back, making the offense one dimensional.
Next: Rookie Mini-Camp Day Two Observations
Jones should progress just fine as he has the natural talent – and the work ethic – to master those facets of his game. Being a well rounded back, he can provide for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers something they haven’t had in quite a long time.