Ronald Jones II

USC has been a dependable football factory for NFL running backs and Jones is the latest impressive prospect headed to the pros. He finished his Trojans’ career ranked fifth all-time in school history with 3,619 career rushing yards, falling behind four college football hall of famers (Charles White, Marcus Allen, Anthony Davis, Ricky Bell) and two Heisman Trophy winners (White, Allen). A two-year starter at USC, Jones established himself as one of the Trojans’ best playmaker shortly after arriving on campus and has been a consistent producer the past three seasons. He leaves with a 6.1 yards-per-carry career average, which ranks top-five in school history, and reached the 100-yard rushing mark in 13 of his 19 collegiate starts. Jones has the above average play speed to dart through creases and burst to the second level, flashing the start/stop open-field movements to make defenders miss. Jones doesn’t have a prototypical build for the position, but he does a great job converting his speed to power and using that natural momentum to finish though contact. BACKGROUND A four-star running back recruit out of high school, Jones exploded on the recruitment radar after rushing for 2,406 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior at McKinney North. He followed up with 2,009 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior and became one of the most sought-after recruits in the country – also won the 2015 district track championships with a 10.37 100-meters and 21.98 200-meters. Jones initially committed to Oklahoma State (where his older sister, Montinique, attended school), but reopened his recruitment a few weeks prior to signing day and pledged to USC over Notre Dame. Jones made an immediate impact for the Trojans as a true freshman, leading the team with 987 yards rushing (USC freshman record) and eight touchdowns despite coming off the bench in every game behind starter Justin Davis. He again shared the backfield duties with Davis as a sophomore, but took over as the starting back for the final six games of 2016 and led USC with 1,082 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. Jones had his best season as a junior and set career-bests in 2017, finishing second in the Pac-12 in rushing yards (1,550) and rushing scores (19) to earn First Team All-American and All-Pac 12 honors. He became the first USC running back to tally back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons since LenDale White.

in our view

Overall, Jones needs to improve his run tempo and his workload will need to be monitored, but he flashes the home run speed, understated power and run determination to elevate a NFL backfield.

strengths

Field fast and accelerates into the hole. Drops his hips and explodes laterally. Fantastic feet to brake, allow defenders to whiz by him and quickly regain his speed. Takes away outside pursuit angles with his pace. Transitions inside to outside without throttling down. Necessary run instincts to set up open-field moves. Runs more physical than expected for his frame, driving his legs and not surrendering at contact. Not a content ballcarrier and runs with urgency. Toughness to meet blitzers in the hole and keep them occupied. Ran track in college as the third leg on USC’s winning 400-meter relay team (39.89). Well-liked and humble teammate. Admittedly lazy as a high school underclassman, but matured following the death of his father (Ronald, an Army sergeant) due to a heart attack in 2012. Appetite for the end zone with at least one touchdown in 19 of his final 20 games at USC. – Dane Brugler 1/3/2018

compares to

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs – With the body types, explosive runs and even the same jersey number, the Charles comparisons are unavoidable.

weaknesses

Tall and lean-muscled, lacking an ideal build for the position. Lacks move-the-pile power. Not a consistent tackle-breaker unless his speed is shifted in high gear. Must improve his tempo and patience as an inside runner to better set up blocks. Needs to further his development as a receiver (32 catches for 302 receiving yards and two scores at USC). Limitations as a pass blocker with spotty technique. Marginal body armor leads to durability and usage concerns – missed the Cal game (Sept. 2017) due to a left ankle sprain and leg bruise. – Dane Brugler 1/3/2018

He made 2014 Prep Star All-American Dream Team and USA Today All-Texas as a senior running back at McKinney (Tex.) North High. He ran for 2,009 yards (8.4 avg) with 28 TDs as a senior in 2014. As a junior in 2013, he ran for 2,406 yards (9.9 avg) with 39 TDs. He had 520 rushing yards (7.2 avg) with 9 TDs as a 2012 sophomore. He had 4,935 yards (8.9 avg) and 76 TD on the ground in his 3-year career. He also sprinted for McKinney North’s track team, with bests of 10.37 in the 100 meters (he won his district championships in 2015) and 21.98 in the 200 meters.

A communication major at USC.