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SPRING PREVIEW: Running backs

Markell Jones was one of the most quietly effective running backs in Purdue annals. His production and numbers back it up.

Jones leaves school ranked in the top 10 in career rushing yards, rushing attempts and rushing TDs. Bet you didn’t know that. He led the Boilermakers in rushing each of his first three years on campus before a senior season that failed to live up to expectations: 537 yards rushing with five TDs to go with 17 catches for 119 yards and a score. Add it all up, and Jones leaves West Lafayette with 2,594 yards rushing with 20 TDs along with 96 catches for 627 yards and two scores.

And he further endeared himself to fans by being an Old Oaken Bucket hero the last two years, when the Columbus, Ind., native ran for 95 yards and a TD last year (8.6 ypc) and 217 yards in 2017 (7.0 ypc). Best of all: Jones led Purdue to victory each time.

I caught up with Jones to get his thought on his Boilermaker tenure.

GoldandBlack.com: Any plans to pursue football at the professional level?

Jones: No. Not at this point. It came down to a lot of things. My body took a beating at running back the past few years. I am gonna focus on flying. When you fly, you sit for a long time. And I have had some back issues. I want to be able to sit down comfortably for the next 40 years.

GoldandBlack.com: What are your future plans?

Jones: This summer, I will be getting into the jet simulator. I won’t graduate in May but will finish in the summer. I have a minor in communications and OLS. I have had a lot of stuff on my plate the last few years. I am in the process of getting my CFI (certified flight instructor). Once I do that, I’ll be able to build up my hours and get on with a regional airline or something and then get on with a commercial operator and try to fly for United or UPS or something like that.

GoldandBlack.com: What was the high point of your career?

Jones: There were a lot. The first one that comes to mind is the game with Ohio State. For me, it wasn’t my best performance but the way we were able to rally around Tyler Trent and his story and rally to beat Ohio State was special. I will never forget. Unfortunately, Tyler passed away. I think football kept him alive. We were proud and happy to be part of that story.

GoldandBlack.com: What was the low point?

Jones: Probably when I hurt my shoulder against Cincinnati my sophomore. We were struggling on the field as a program then. I hurt the AC joint in my left shoulder. The injury stayed with me a long time. Rehabbing was difficult. Lifting weights on my left side was difficult. And dealing with back injuries, too. The injuries were the low points.

GoldandBlack.com: If you could go back in time and give advice to the freshman Markell Jones, what would you tell him?

Jones: It is something I heard growing up … I would tell myself, it goes by quick. Make sure you use all of your opportunities. I left it all out there, without a doubt. I would say: Markell, focus on the little things, appreciate the moment and have fun.

GoldandBlack.com: What does the future of the position look like?

Jones: Richie (Worship) and Tario (Fuller) have given fans a sneak peek. Richie got hurt a year ago, but I see how he has been working out, benching ridiculous numbers … I think over 450 pounds. He is a monster in the weight room and on the field. He is more than a fullback. Tario is a nice speed and agility change-up. He has great vision and feels it well. He has a good head for football and can pick up coverages and protections. (Alexander) Horvath showed what he was able to do as a fullback and running back. And look out for Alfred Armour. If he picks up where he left off in bowl practices, I think he will have a chance to be in the rotation.

GoldandBlack.com: What was your favorite road venue?

Jones: I would probably say Nebraska. It’s probably always the most fun place to play. It can get loud and did last year. Then, it got quiet after we hit a big play on a flea flicker. I love playing there.

GoldandBlack.com: Who was the toughest foe you played against?

Jones: I didn’t get to play against Michigan (in 2017) but I was impressed with (Michigan LB) Devin Bush. He is fast and aggressive. He was special.

GoldandBlack.com: What was your favorite class at Purdue?

Jones: Probably my commercial training, when I was training for my commercial license. It was a rigorous class, understanding your privileges and what you are able to do and also doing the maneuvers in the aircraft. I took a thunderstorms and tornadoes class that was interesting, too.

GoldandBlack.com: What has been key to Jeff Brohm turning around the program?

Jones: A lot of things. His staff was key. I never had been around a group of people that actually seemed to care about the players as much as these guys do. It is like a family atmosphere. It feels like a completely different environment. I don’t want to say anything bad about previous people. I just think they are focused on family. That helps in recruiting. And Coach Brohm’s offense is great. I think he is a genius and mastermind. They way he picks people apart, it’s crazy. Once they get this group of recruits in and then the next class, it is gonna be scary as to what Coach Brohm can do.

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