Robert Jones

Offensive Tackle / Middle Tennessee State

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Robert Jones:  I am 6’4 ½, 325.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Robert Jones:  I was coming off shoulder surgery.  I was fortunate enough to work out with my trainers even when the campus was shut down.  I had to get my strength in my shoulder.  I hurt my shoulder the third game of last season, but I continued to play.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Robert Jones:  I had dreams of being a basketball player.  I was too big for basketball.  I started to play football my junior year.      

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Robert Jones:  I was a DT all through high school.    

Alex Khvatov:  Where did you grow up? 

Robert Jones:  I am from Chicago, Illinois.  I came from a rough neighborhood.  When I go back, I try to help who I can help.  I let them know there is always a bright spot.  I try to motivate others and let them know that you can make it.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Robert Jones:  Coming out of high school, I wasn’t a qualifier.  I transferred to Rockford East my senior year.  My head coach started contacting junior colleges to help me.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at JUCO? 

Robert Jones:  Aaron Arnold at Highland Community College in Kansas offered me at DL.  It was the best decision for me.  I went far away from home.  I called the coach and asked if I could move to OL. 

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like to transition from DL to OL?

Robert Jones:  It really wasn’t too hard.  I was working on my footsteps.  I knew what the DL would do in certain situations because I played on that side of the ball.  I was trying to get my technique down.  I wasn’t used to pass blocking because I was going backwards.  When you have a lot of weight on you, you have to control your body.      

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Middle Tennessee State? 

Robert Jones:  I had various offers from C-USA schools.  I had bigger schools like Florida State and FAU talking to me.  My coach told me that you don’t just want to be another guy.  Go where they need you.  Middle Tennessee needed me.  The coaches made me a high priority.  I came on a visit.  It felt like family and home.     

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your junior season.            

Robert Jones:  It was my first time playing OT.  I played OG at JUCO.  I came in, and I started to learn OT.  My coaches helped me a great deal.  The season didn’t end how we wanted it.  Our offense was young last year.  The transition to OT wasn’t that hard.  I went against a lot of fast guys at JUCO.  I worked on my footwork. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Robert Jones:  We have a really talented squad.  We have way more talent this year than we have ever had.  We will show offensively that we can play with the best.  Our defense can shut things down.  We are going for the Conference Championship.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Robert Jones:  My strength is in the run game.  My power and football IQ. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Robert Jones:  I need to work on my technique especially in pass sets.  Scouts describe me as a raw talent. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Robert Jones:  The highlight was the Iowa game.  We didn’t get the outcome that we wanted.  DE A.J. Epenesa was a good challenge.  He showed different things.  He had the strength and the length.  He showed me what I need to work on.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Robert Jones:  Always work hard.  Give it your all, no matter what.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Robert Jones:  I am a Bears fan.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Robert Jones:  Growing up, it was J.J. Watt.  Now it has changed to Khalil Mack.      

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Robert Jones:  On the offensive side, RB Jayy McDonald, WR CJ Windham, WR Jarrin Pierce, and RB Amir Rasul.  Defensively, S Reed Blankenship and LB DQ Thomas.  DE Jordan Ferguson from Atlanta, Georgia and QB Asher O’Hara.       

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Robert Jones:  One of them is #94 DL Tyshun Render.  He was my own teammate last year.  He signed with the Miami Dolphins.  He helped me get better.  #10 DE from Western Kentucky (DeAngelo Malone).    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL?

Robert Jones:  Be live on your feet and be good with your hands.    

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Robert Jones:  I am always happy.  I always have a smile on my face.  I bring good energy.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Robert Jones:  It is just a time to go out there and release all of your anger.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Robert Jones:  Occasionally, I go to play basketball.  I try to channel some Derrick Rose in me.  I was a big fan of his.  I play video games like Call of Duty.  I like to cook and eat.  I like to barbecue the ribs, cook steaks and a little pasta.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Robert Jones:  I want to go into coaching.  I want to be a D-I football coach.  My major is in sports management.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Robert Jones:  Loving, caring, genuine, hard worker, and inspirational.