College Football 2012 Top 150 Players: No. 124 Perry Jones, Virginia RB

No. 124: Perry Jones, No. 33, Virginia, Running Back


We've already talked about Jones' running mate, Kevin Parks, here on Your Best 11's Top 150. Now, it is time for the Cavaliers' lead rusher to get the treatment. Perry Jones fell just short of a 1,000-yard season a year ago, but in averaging almost five yards per carry, his junior season was most certainly a success. In 2012, Jones is the ACC's fourth-leading returning rusher and the third place among the running backs.

Strengths

Perry Jones is a tough, hard-nosed running back. He is not a big guy, but he runs behind his pads, reads his blockers well and makes quick decisions with the ball in his hands. Jones has got the speed to get loose in the open field and his toughness makes him a difficult back to tackle. He's earned the nickname "Superman" in Virginia circles because of the way he seems to be able to do anything on the field, despite his small stature. Watching Jones run the football is an exercise in the way you want backs to play; punches the ball inside for tough yards, great balance and the ability to bounce off of would-be tacklers and enough shiftiness to leave defenders grasping at air.

Another plus that Jones deserves credit for is his ability to catch the football out of the backfield. His 48 catches were good for second on the Wahoos roster, which is, for a running back, quite a valuable contribution. He has got sure hands and that opens up the playbook to screens, wheels, swing passes and more to really put pressure on the defense.


Weaknesses

Much like Parks, Jones is not a big man. While he plays the running back position exceptionally well, he is limited by what he can do physically. There is no true "change of pace" or power option for the Cavaliers with Jones. He can push to get the tough yards, but ultimately, he is still a 5'8" 185-pound back. When players can wrap him up, they can get him on the ground; which is what makes Jones' aforementioned elusive abilities so critical.


2012 Predictions

Both Perry Jones and Kevin Parks are back and that means more split carries in the Cavaliers backfield. However, the older back, Jones is set to have a solid season where he should expect to cross the 1,000-yard threshold. In a division where the Hokies and Hurricanes are replacing key pieces, North Carolina is experimenting with a new defense, Georgia Tech hasn't finished in the league's top half in rush defense since 2008 and Duke is Duke, Jones should see plenty of opportunity. In addition to breaking through the 1,000-yard mark, Perry "Superman" Jones should be able to repeat catching over 40 balls and truly contribute to the Cavaliers offense in the air and on the ground.