Hawkeyes top list for Juco DE

North Dakota State College of Science is not a school many find their way to each year. In the fall of 2004, that may change as college coaches from around the country could come to check out the talents of defensive end Bobby Jones.

Jones, a native of South Dakota, was at the top of the list of athletes in the state as a senior with current Nebraska offensive lineman Ryan Schuler. He found his way to the town of Wahpeton and coach Mike Beagle.

“Bobby is very instinctive and has a nose for the football,” Beagle said. “He is a playmaker. We are very glad we got him out of high school. He is a difference maker. He’s smart and coachable. Bobby matured at a very fast rate from the beginning of the season until the end. He will be a force in the 2004 football season.”

Jones has already been receiving information from schools in the Big 10, Big 12 and Mountain West conferences. At this point, his current top five schools include Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas State, Iowa State and Texas.

“I don’t have any scholarship offers, yet,” the 6-foot-5, 275-pound Jones said. “Iowa, Iowa State, and Nebraska recruited me out of high school. That’s why they are on the list. The other two are just really good programs who I would love to play for. They haven’t recruited me hard yet or anything, but, I really want to find out more about them and talk to the coaches about their programs. Iowa would probably be the favorite right now, because they recruited me really hard out of high school. We have sent out film to schools that have asked for it. They are communicating with my coaches and will evaluate it when they get it and let me know about offers at that time.”

Jones was an all-region selection for the Wildcats in 2003 when he had 38 tackles and five quarterback sacks. He also broke up eight passes and had one interception. He was limited to just seven games last fall due to injury.

Jones, offers whatever school lands his talents the ability to arrive next spring for classes and spring workouts.

“My plan is to get out in December,” he said. “If all works like I think it will, I should be fine on that part of the deal.”