vindy.com | YSU’s Donald Jones hopes for phone call Saturday

Friday, April 23, 2010

Photo by: Lisa-Ann Ishihara

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YSU Donald Jones (81) and Western Illinois Stephen Moore (26) during the 2nd quarter at Stambaugh Stadium, Saturday October 10, 2009

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YSU's Donald Jones eludes Terian Washington of Missouri during 1 rst half action Saturday. wd lewis

Photo by: Special to The Vindicator/Paul Newton (The Southern)

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LOOKING AHEAD: Youngstown State’s Donald Jones (81) reaches for a pass while being watched by Southern Illinois’ Brandon Williams (6) during the Salukis’ 27-8 win over the Penguins on Saturday in Carbondale. The Penguins are preparing to take on South Dakota State this Saturday.

Former Youngstown State wide receiver Donald Jones is used to having a football in his hands. But come Saturday, the only thing he’ll be clutching is his cell phone.

That’s because Jones will be awaiting a very important phone call that could determine the rest of his career.

Jones, a native of Plainfield, N.J., is expecting to be selected in this year’s NFL draft.

“I’m back in New Jersey working out, just waiting for the big day,” Jones said in a phone interview.

The 6-foot, 215-pound receiver hopes to be selected anywhere between the fourth and sixth rounds of the draft. He, along with his family, will be awaiting the call at home.

Jones caught 77 passes for 790 yards for the Penguins last season. His six receiving touchdowns were good for second-most on the team.

If drafted, Jones would be the first Penguin selected since the Jacksonville Jaguars made defensive lineman Harry Deligianis their fourth-round pick in 1998.

Jones said it would be “an honor” to be drafted. He also added that he hopes to one day give back to the city and the school.

“Even though I’m not from there, it’s a part of my past and part of where I came from,” he said.

Jones said about 10 teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, have all called and asked what he’s heard from other teams.

He added that he has no preference of where to play, or when his name is called.

“My goal is just to get drafted,” he said. “Of course, everybody wants to go high, but I just want my shot like everybody else.”

Jones did say that a chance to play for his boyhood favorite, the New York Giants, would be a “dream come true.”

Regardless of where he plays, Jones said he can offer his team a physical presence who understands the nuances of the position.

“I’m a bigger, physical receiver, and I’ll probably play in the slot because I can get behind the linebackers and the safeties,” he said. “I can run deep or i can catch the ball short. I’m not a finesse receiver.”

Jones’ father, Donald III, encouraged his son to play defense early in his playing career.

“[My father] didn’t want me to get hit, he wanted me to hit someone else,” the younger Jones said.

Using what he learned as a defensive player – he played bother cornerback and safety in high school –Jones said he learned his current position from through the eyes of a defender.

When asked how he expects to respond to being drafted, Jones laughed a little and said he’ll remain composed.

“I don’t really show emotion too much,” he said. “I’ll be happy, but I’m sure my family will be showing it more than I will. Deep down inside, I’ll probably be jumping around, but I won’t show it.”

Career highlights: Earned first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors last fall, setting a single-season school record for receptions (77) to go with a team-high 790 yards and six TDs. He twice tied the school record with 11 receptions in a game (Missouri State and Southern Illinois). Caught 31 passes for 510 yards and seven TDs in his junior season — his first at YSU.

YSU draft history: Harry Deligianis, fourth round by Jaguars in 1998; Tony Tellington, ninth round by Dolphins in 1993; Jim Zdelar, seventh round by Dolphins in 1989; Bob Thompson, sixth round by Saints in 1986; John Goode, fourth round by Cardinals in 1984; Paul McFadden, 12th round by Eagles in 1984; Greg Fitzpatrick, seventh round by Cowboys in 1979; Ed McGlasson, 10th round by Jets in 1979; Quentin Lowry, 12th round by Cowboys in 1979; Cliff Stoudt, fifth round by Steelers in 1977; Ron Jaworksi, second round by Rams in 1973; Dave DelSignore, 15th round by 49ers in 1970; Craig Cotton, eight round by Chargers in 1969; Joe Guido, 14th round by Ravens in 1957; Bill House, seventh round by Browns in 1967; Jake Ferro, 15th round by Dolphins in 1967; Frank Horvath, 19th round by Vikings in 1963; Ralph Goldston, 11th round by Eagles in 1952; Pete Lanzi, 11th round by Giants in 1948; Al Perl, 16th round by Steelers in 1946; Leo Mogus, 17th round by Redskins in 1943.

Strengths: Jones is a tall receiver with a thick, muscular build. Possesses the straight-line speed to stretch the defense down the seam. Runs precise routes and finds soft spots in zone coverage. Good leaper who shows the ability to high-point the football in goal-line situations.

Weaknesses: Not overly explosive off the line and struggles to consistently beat the press. A bit stiff in the hips and loses speed in transition, preventing him from separating in man coverage. Lets passes get into his pads and drops too many catchable balls. There are questions regarding his maturity, mental capacity and character.