Velus Jones gained a love of football from a young age. Like any fan, he had his favorite players. For a long time, there was only one man he thought about. That was LaDainian Tomlinson. The former league MVP was arguably the best running back of the 2000s. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was one of the least surprising things in existence when it happened. However, as Jones grew older he needed new inspirations.
That was when the fandom of his father lent a helping hand. It became obvious as Jones approached high school he was going to become an offensive weapon for his team. Being a native of Mobile, Alabama, his household was tuned into SEC college games all the time. It was there that Jones found his next football influence. He explained on the Podsters of the Midway podcast.
“But as I grew up, I became a Florida fan. My dad was a huge Florida fan. All the way up through high school I was still messing with Florida and Percy Harvin was, like, an idol to me. His abilities, his ways to affect the game when it came to the return game, when it came to receiver, outside receiver (and) slot receiver, and at running back also. So he was utilized in a lot of different ways. That’s who I tried to model my game after. That’s where the mindest of being a playmaker came into effect.”
Velus Jones does indeed play a Harvin-like game.
There wasn’t a more feared weapon in the Florida arsenal during their dominance from 2006 to 2008 that Harvin. Over three years he amassed 1,852 yards rushing, 1,929 receiving, and 32 touchdowns. Every time the Gators got the ball into his hands, it felt like he was a threat to score. Jones didn’t have nearly as productive of a college career, but the same type of skill set flashed. He finished 2021 with 900 return yards, 807 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
The most frustrating part is the Tennessee coaching staff never utilized him as much as they should’ve. For example, he only had four carries as a running back in two years despite going for 31 yards total on those plays. It felt like he could’ve done a lot more. Luke Getsy and the Bears coaching staff don’t seem to plan on making the same mistake. Justin Fields hinted that several plays are being drawn up for the rookie receiver to get the ball. If he ends up being even 70-80% of what Harvin was during his early years in Minnesota, the Bears got themselves a good one in Velus Jones.
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I think this kid is going to work out. He has the right attitude, that’s for sure.
The physical tools are obvious. He has strength to go with the elite speed and doesn’t shy away from contact with the ball in his hands. Watching his return game gives me optimism that he will be great at yards after catch because he sets up and follows blocks well. Short area burst and acceleration remind me of crazy legs Hester. Velus will shine in the NFL. GO BEARS!