The War Room: Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech 
Running Back
Kevin Jones
College: Virginia Tech
Year: Junior
Height: 6’0"
Weight: 209
Birthday: August 21, 1982
Strengths: Kevin Jones has rushed for over 1,800 yards the last two seasons despite only starting three games. Generally considered the top high school player in the nation in 2000, Jones is a rare athlete. He runs a 4.3 40, has a 41 ½” vertical jump, bench presses 360 lbs., and squats 560 lbs. Jones has an explosive burst through the hole, the quick feet to make defenders miss, and the pure speed of a breakaway threat. The elusive Jones can change directions at full speed and is most dangerous on off-tackle runs where he can outrace linebackers to the corner.
Like many of Virginia Tech’s star players, Jones contributes on the Hokie kick coverage teams and has made several special teams tackles. He has shown that he is a team player by keeping his ego in check and never complaining about sharing time last year with Lee Suggs (Cleveland’s fourth-round pick in 2003).
Areas of Concern: Jones has averaged less than 14 carries per game at Virginia Tech and must prove that he has the consistency and durability to be a franchise back. He has yet to show that he can be “the man” and carry a team, although he will get every opportunity to do so this season.
Jones must also erase the perception among some observers that he is just a flashy open-field runner and not a physical back who can get the job done between tackles. He needs to improve his ball security, as he fumbled eight times last year and lost five of those. He has been an afterthought in the passing game, with a grand total of 10 catches in his college career. Jones needs to show that he can be a viable target on screens and outlet passes in a pro offense.
How Would He Look in Steel Blue? With the possible exception of the largely untested Tony Hollings, none of the Texans’ backs have shown the acceleration to threaten the flanks of the defense or the ability to create big plays. Jones would bring this much-needed dimension to the Texans, although he must first show that he can get yards after contact and protect the football.
(profile written by Warren DeLuca)
Kevin Jones‘ 2002 Stats G CAR YDS AVG TD 13 160 871 5.4 9 
Kevin Jones 
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