Ravenna football star D.J. Jones has fingers crossed
HARWELLPHOTO.COM
With an offer from Walsh University in hand, Ravenna senior D.J. Jones is hoping an NCAA Division I football scholarship might come his way in the 11th hour. National Signing Day is Wednesday.
Editor's Note: On Feb. 2, after publication of this story, D.J. Jones agreed to join the University of Akron football team next Fall as a non-scholarship athlete, and will have an opportunity to earn a scholarship the following season.
RAVENNA, Ohio – He did all he could do -- there is no doubt about that.
And now whether or not Ravenna senior D.J. Jones receives an NCAA Division I football scholarship is beyond his control.
His body of work would seem to indicate that an offer should be forthcoming, but as of Tuesday at noon, the All-Ohio running back still is waiting.
“In the 16 years I’ve been here, he’s in the top three players I’ve coached,” said Ravenna head coach Jim Lunardi.
Walsh University, now an NCAA Division II institution, has offered Jones and unless his phone rings at the 11th hour the talented Raven will likely continue his academic and athletic career as a Walsh Cavalier, playing for legendary coach Jim Dennison, in North Canton.
The University of Akron and Kent State University have expressed considerable interest in Jones, according to Lunardi. Zips’ new coach Terry Bowden has visited Ravenna High School and Jones has made an official visit to the UA campus. However, neither local Mid-American Conference university has offered Ravenna’s favorite son a scholarship.
Ohio State has offered him a 105-roster spot as a preferred walk-on.
As a senior, Jones led Ravenna to its first state playoff win in school history. Last season, he rushed for 2,433 yards and 33 touchdowns on 287 carries (12 games) as the Ravens posted a 9-3 record and advanced to the regional semifinals.
The 5-foot-9, 190-pound dynamo earned first-team Division III All-Ohio and was the Northeast Inland District Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2011, Jones had eight 200-yard rushing games and topped 100 in 11 of 12 outings.