Roddy Jones: The ACC's Best A-Back

I’m no sports expert, and I don’t get face-time interviews with players or anything like that, but as a fan I can tell you at least a little something about one of Georgia Tech’s best active players.

His name is Roddy Jones.

As a red shirt freshman last year, Jones played the A-back position with the Ramblin’ Wreck. He racked up 690 rushing yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry doing it!

Only one other college player last season who rushed for at least 200 yards averaged higher than this—Percy Harvin (the junior from the University of Florida who was taken in the first round of the NFL draft, and rushed for 660 yards last season averaging 9.43 yards per carry).

It’s not just about the numbers; Roddy showed that he can perform very well, perhaps his best, in the biggest games against ranked teams.

Case in point:

On Nov. 29, 2008 in Athens, Roddy ran for 214 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries against the preseason No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs to help lead the Jackets to a 45-42 victory.

After the game, Jones said, “Growing up, all I heard about was how great Georgia was. It’s great to be a part of the team that ends that streak.”

On his first touchdown, Roddy dove into the end zone. His second was a 54-yard tight-rope sprint right down the sideline, breaking two tackles along the way (see the associated picture).

In addition to doing his duty on the offensive unit, Roddy was Georgia Tech’s primary kick returner last season, averaging 23.6 yards on 15 returns.

So, while much of the spotlight this preseason is shone on Jonathan Dwyer, it would be foolish for any opposing team or fan to overlook Roddy Jones.

At Georgia Tech, it seems there is always another great running back in the shadows, lurking, just waiting to break out (see Dwyer’s predecessors in Tashard Choice & P.J. Daniels).

(Very recently Roddy dislocated his wrist during some routine weight workouts and is reportedly wearing a brace. While he may miss some preseason practices reports are that he should be ready to go come September. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery Roddy!)

Please leave your comments on Roddy Jones and the rest of the Georgia Tech team below.