Quick, big and strong, he returns for a fifth year after gaining a medical hardship last year...Has progressed in each and every season and figures to move into starting role at strong safety, allowing Danny Verpaele to move to free safety...Has always been a key contributor on special teams.
SOUTH FLORIDA ? 2004: Tried to play in first two games after an off-season neck/shoulder injury, but aggravated the neck at South Carolina (Sept. 18) and sat out remainder of the season...Had started each of first two games at strong safety and had five tackles.
2003: More than doubled his previous season-high in tackles with 40, including three sacks...Had four tackles in each of three of the first four games of the season and went on to get five tackles in three separate games...Two sacks among five tackles vs. Charleston Southern (Oct. 18)...Also had a sack at East Carolina (Nov. 8)...Had first career interception in season finale at Memphis, returning it for 21 yards...Also had a fumble recovery in that Memphis game, plus another one at Army (Sept. 27)....Forced a fumble vs. Charleston Southern (Oct. 18)....Played in all 11 games, starting the first two of the season as essentially a fourth linebacker/nickel back.
2002: Had 18 tackles, including 12 solo stops...Had season-best four tackles in season opener vs. Florida Atlantic (Aug. 29)...Made eight stops in the first three games of the season...Played in all 11 games.
2001: Played a limited role, mostly on special teams...Saw action in six games, finishing with five tackles, including one for a two-yard loss against Southern Utah (Oct. 20).
BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL - Registered 74 tackles, five interceptions, six fumble recoveries, three caused fumbles, and six pass breakups in 2000 senior season, en route to third team all-state and Sarasota Herald Tribune first team all-area...Played in PAL Bowl All-Star Game and was named Defensive MVP at Booker...14 career interceptions...Lettered three years in football, three in basketball and two in track...Coached by Leroy Ryals.
PERSONAL - Born September 30, 1982 in Sarasota, he is the son of Ana and Johnnie Jones.
