Jones' final game comes with an added bonus
Thursday, December 30, 2010 | Football, Softball, Scott Carter
If not for Urban Meyer, Gators senior linebacker A.J. Jones said he would not have come to Florida.
“There was just something different about him,'' Jones said Wednesday.
And like Meyer, Jones' career at Florida comes to a close following Saturday's Outback Bowl against Penn State. Jones' exit has a special twist: he is playing his final college game in his hometown.
Jones starred at Tampa's Middleton High before making the decision to move two hours north to attend UF. Since arriving at UF, Jones has played in 49 games – starting 39 – and registered 157 tackles and three interceptions.
Jones has a career-high 49 tackles entering the Outback Bowl and hopes to have his best game of the season after being slowed late in the regular season by a hamstring injury.
“I've been just trying to focus on this game and trying to go out there and have a blast,'' Jones said. “I've got to give it all I've got. Why would you hold back.''
Playing his final game in his hometown doesn't come without some pressure.
“I think I might need over 100 tickets,'' he said. “I know Tampa and everyone is going to support me. I'm just grateful for being able to play in this game in my hometown.''
Jones says he would like to continue his playing career on the professional level if an opportunity arises, but if that's not in the cards, he graduated earlier this month with a degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences.
“Going to Florida was a great decision for me,'' Jones said.
