Donald Jones, WR

While Jones was starring at Plainfield High School, little did he realize that his college life would result in a bit of a world tour before he found a home in Ohio. Blessed with the size, speed and athleticism to be an elite pass catcher, the YSU captain has been a revelation for the Penguins since wresting a starting job after several games of his junior campaign.

His impact since arriving at Youngstown State led to Jones becoming the first receiver since Herb Williams in 1992 to be named team captain. He is also the first junior college player since defensive back Sherod Holmes (presently an assistant coach for the Penguins) to wear the captain's hat for YSU.

A two-way standout as a receiver and defensive back during his prep days, Jones was expected to enroll at the University of Wisconsin in 2006. Former Badgers head coach Barry Alvarez likened Jones' athletic ability to that of Al Toon, regarded as the premier pass catcher in Wisconsin history. However, he had trouble getting through the NCAA clearing house and ended up going to Lackawanna (Pa.) Community College.

Under the guidance of head coach Mark Duda, a former University of Maryland player who went on to perform in the National Football League for both the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals (1983-89), Jones greatly improved his route-running ability, becoming the complete wideout. He led Lackawanna College to the North East Football Conference title during his sophomore year, scoring five times behind 42 receptions while averaging 17.81 yards per catch.

The major colleges took notice, with nearby Temple offering him a scholarship. Syracuse, Virginia and Mississippi were also highly interested in Jones for 2007. It appeared he would join Ole Miss for the 2007 season, but the new Rebels coaching staff "let the ball slip" through their fingers and the junior decided to enroll at Youngstown State, where their coaching staff coveted a player of his ability.

"Things just didn't work out with Ole Miss and the YSU coaches were there and I knew about the great tradition they had here so it didn't take long to make a decision," Jones said. And what a great "coup" for the Penguins it was, as he became a full-time starter by the sixth game of the 2008 campaign.

At Plainfield High School, the two-way starter earned All-State, All-Area, All-Group IV, All-Division North II and All-Watchung American Conference honors as a senior. He received a two-star prospect rating from Scout.com and was named as one of the Super 100 players on the Rivals.com squad.

In 2005, Jones collected 24 passes (team completed just 46 tosses) for 418 yards (17.42-yard average) and three touchdowns, adding two more scores on six rushing attempts. He averaged 33.75 yards with an 80-yard score as a kickoff returner and 14.33 yards with another score on punt returns. He also made nine tackles with two pass deflections while playing strong safety.

Some of his senior year highlights included 74 yards and a score on three grabs and 100 yards on two kickoff returns vs. Shabazz High, adding a 19-yard touchdown run vs. Cranford. He scored on a 3-yard reverse vs. Union High and raced 56 yards for a score on a punt return while killing a pair of East Side High possessions with third-down pass break-ups.

Jones exploded for an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown vs. Elizabeth High and handed Union a 20-0 shutout, as he caused a crucial touchdown to set up his own 24-yard scoring grab, making five catches for 69 yards. Perhaps his most sensational touchdown catch was the 67-yarder as #10 snared the ball between two safeties before heading to the end zone for the Cardinals vs. Bridgewater-Raritan. In addition to his gridiron success, he showed off his athletic skills for the Blue-&-Scarlet baseball team.

At Lackawanna College, Jones appeared in nine games as a freshman in 2006 (seven as a receiver). He managed to grab 11 receptions for 179 yards (16.27-yard average), adding 19 yards on two punt returns and 150 yards on six kickoff returns. In addition to making 42 catches for 748 yards as a sophomore, he averaged 11.25 yards as a punt returner, 6.33 yards on six reverses and made a key tackle after a Lackawanna pass was intercepted in 2007.

Jones was eased into the lineup at Youngstown State in 2008. He had just three receptions in the team's first four games, but after coming off the bench to produce for 74 yards with a score on five grabs vs. Liberty, he was named the Penguins' starting "X" receiver for the final seven contests.

He totaled 31 receptions, third on the squad, good for 510 yards (16.45 ypc) with seven touchdowns and finished second on the team in scoring with 42 points. He was also the "table-setter" for the offense, as 23 of his receptions resulted in first downs, and he had crucial grabs on twelve touchdown drives and another possession that led to a field goal.

While Jones was limited in 2009 spring drills due to a hamstring injury, he concentrated on his training room performances. From a 190-pounder prior to 2008, the now 212-pound flanker was a "target" for opposing defensive coordinators throughout his senior year. Despite constant double- and sometimes triple-coverage, he ranked 13th in the nation and second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with an average of 7.0 receptions per game.

His 77 catches set the school season-record, becoming just the third player in YSU annals to have at least 70 receptions in a campaign. He generated 700 yards (10.26 yards per catch) and six touchdowns in 11 games. He has also provided solid emergency work for the punt return unit, averaging 6.88 yards on eight attempts. To truly appreciate his value on offense, he is responsible for more than a third of the team's catches (34.0%), receiving yardage (33.13%) and scoring receptions (35.7%).

In his role as the squad's table-setter, in addition to his six touchdown receptions, Jones came up with key grabs to set up 13 touchdown drives (team has a total of 26 touchdowns on offense, as he had a hand in 19 of those scores). He also pulled down passes that got the team in field position to make seven of their nine field goals. That translates to a contribution on 135 of the team's 188 offensive points (71.81%).

2008 GAME

Ohio State … Jones made his Youngstown State debut, catching one pass for 15 yards … The first pass thrown to him, a third-&-6 play, was incomplete, but OSU cornerback Malcolm Jenkins was charged with pass interference … His first reception as a Penguin came on a third-&-10 toss from Paul Corsaro, good for 15 yards and a first down just before time expired in the fourth quarter.

Central State, Ohio … Jones earned his first start for the Penguins, catching just one pass at the start of the third quarter for 4 yards.

North Dakota State … Jones had just one pass thrown to him, but he made the most of that opportunity, hauling in a 14-yard toss from Brandon Summers for a 14-yard touchdown with 1:01 left in the first half.

Liberty … In his most extensive playing time to date as a Penguin, Jones snatched five passes for 74 yards and a score … He wrested a 9-yard toss away from a pair of defenders to set up an 18-yard scoring burst by QB Brandon Summers early in the second quarter …

He followed with a 26-yarder just before halftime … Late in the fourth quarter, Jones grabbed a third-&-4 toss for 8 yards and then capped that 50-yard, 8-play series by pulling down a fourth-&-goal pass for a 4-yard touchdown … Head to Head Competition-CB#26-Kent Hicks (6:02-202)-Six tackles (4 solos) … Jones Offensive Impact-The receiver registered three first downs and converted 1-of-1 third-down plays while catching 5-of-6 passes (83.33%) targeted to him, as the opposition deflected one pass attempt, and he had one grab for at least 20 yards, while setting up two touchdown drives, making one reception inside the red zone … The team completed 32-of-39 passes (82.05%) for 334 yards and three scores while gaining a total of 427 yards on 71 plays (6.01 yards per attempt).

Southern Utah State … The coaching staff turned over "X" receiver duties to Jones for the rest of the season and he responded with 22 yards on three catches … Kept a late fourth quarter series alive by grabbing a fourth-&-6 pass for 10 yards, later on that possession, on a fourth-&-2 play, QB Paul Corsaro lofted a pass toward the end zone where Jones had momentary possession of the ball but was sandwiched between two T-Bird defenders and he was unable to hold on as he hit the turf with 28 seconds left.

Missouri State … The junior had only two receptions, but his 6 and 8-yard grabs late in the fourth quarter set up an 11-yard scoring grab by Jabari Scott.

Northern Iowa … Jones would begin a string of four consecutive games with at least one touchdown catch, as he gained 58 yards on two grabs … Late in the fourth quarter, Jones helped spark a rally by snaring a third-&-3 pass from Brandon Summers for a 51-yard score, but the Panthers penetrated the line and blocked Brian Palmer's extra-point try with 3:55 remaining in the game, handing Youngstown State a 21-20 loss … Head to Head Competition-CB#11-Adam Roberts (5:11-199)-Three tackles (2 solos), one pass break-up … Jones Offensive Impact-The receiver registered one first down and converted 1-of-1 third-down plays while catching 2-of-5 passes (40.00%) targeted to him, as two attempts were deflected by the opposition, and he had one grabs for at least 20 yards, while setting up one touchdown drive … The team completed 15-of-33 passes (45.45%) for 167 yards and two scores while gaining a total of 300 yards on 60 plays (5.00 yards per attempt).

Illinois State … The junior flanker amassed a season-high 136 yards with a touchdown on four receptions … He simply exploded down the sidelines to haul in a 67-yard scoring strike from Brandon Summers in the first quarter … He continued to come up "large" for the Penguins, first with a 31-yard catch in the second quarter and then with a 30-yarder that was downed at the Illinois State 8, setting up a 4-yard touchdown run by Kamryn Keys to cap a 6-play, 84-yard third quarter possession … Record Watch-Jones (136 yards) and Dominique Barnes (100) became the first Penguins tandem to gain 100 yards receiving each in the same game since Maury Bibent (127) and Lorenzo Davis (111) became the first to accomplish that feat for YSU, vs. Murray State in 1987 … Jones' 67-yard touchdown was the longest reception by a Youngstown State player in 2008 … Head to Head Competition-CB#25-Chris Garrett (6:00-177)-Six tackles (5 solos) … Jones Offensive Impact-The receiver registered three first downs and converted 0-of-1 third-down plays while catching 4-of-8 passes (50.00%) targeted to him, as the opposition deflected one of those tosses, and he had three grabs for at least 20 yards while setting up two touchdown drives … The team completed 20-of-34 passes (58.82%) for 347 yards and four scores while gaining a total of 544 yards on 71 plays (7.66 yards per attempt).

Indiana State … Despite constant double-team coverage, Jones found the end zone twice, picking up 75 yards on six catches in a 35-21 triumph … The receiver wasted little time getting YSU on the scoreboard, as he pulled in 17 and 6-yard passes to set up Ben Lane's 2-yard touchdown run to conclude a game-opening 12-play, 74-yard possession … He later converted a third-&-6 Brandon Summers pass into a second quarter 10-yard touchdown …

In the second half, Summers again connected with Jones, this time on a 23-yard scoring strike … Later in the third quarter, he converted a third-&-8 toss into a 12-yard first down, leading to Summers' 11-yard touchdown to Dominique Barnes that ended an 8-play, 68-yard series … Head to Head Competition-CB#28-Jerry Calvert (5:09-193)-Three tackles (2 solos), one pass deflection, one forced fumble … Jones Offensive Impact-The receiver registered four first downs and converted 2-of-2 third-down plays while catching 6-of-9 passes (66.67%) targeted to him, as the opposition deflected two of those tosses, and he had four grabs for at least 10 yards, including one for 20 yards or longer, while setting up three touchdown drives and catching one of those balls inside the red zone … The team completed 14-of-23 passes (60.87%) for 142 yards and three scores while gaining a total of 415 yards on 75 plays (5.53 yards per attempt).

Western Illinois … Jones closed out the season with four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown … His third-&-8 grab for 10 yards kept a second quarter series alive, as he would end that 11-play, 58-yard possession by executing a block on linebacker Travis Cherry, allowing QB Brandon Summers to score on a 1-yard run over the left side of the line … In the second half, Jones raced past two safeties to snare a 38-yard touchdown in the third quarter … He added a 24-yarder in the final frame, getting YSU into position to kick a 27-yard field goal … Record Watch-Jones joined Herb Williams (1992) as the only players in school history to record at least one touchdown catch in four consecutive games, accomplishing that feat vs. Northern Iowa, Illinois State, Indiana State and Western Illinois … Head to Head Competition-CB#26-Stephan Moore (5:09-187)-Two tackles (1 solo) … Jones Offensive Impact-The receiver registered four first downs and converted 1-of-3 third-down plays while catching 4-of-7 passes (57.14%) targeted to him, as the opposition deflected one of those tosses, and he had four grabs for at least 10 yards, including two for 20 yards or longer, while setting up two touchdown drives, along with a reception on a possession that ended with a field goal and catching one of those balls inside the red zone … The team completed 13-of-20 passes (65.00%) for 243 yards and two scores while gaining a total of 352 yards on 57 plays (6.18 yards per attempt).

Jones has started 19-of-23 games since arriving at Youngstown State in 2008, as he caught 108 passes for 1,300 yards (12.03 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns, adding 55 yards on eight punt returns (6.88-yard average) and one solo tackle … In 19 games at Lackawanna College (17 as a receiver), Jones snatched 53 passes for 927 yards (17.49 ypc) and five touchdowns, as he also totaled 38 yards on seven carries (5.43 per carry), 64 yards on six punt returns (10.67-yard average) and one solo tackle, in addition to attempting two passes … For his collegiate career, the flanker has registered 161 receptions for 2,227 yards (13.83 per catch) and 18 touchdowns in 40 games … Jones is the first YSU wide receiver to serve as team captain (2009) since Herb Williams in 1992, and the first junior college player to serve in that capacity since defensive back Sherod Holmes in 2003 … His 77 receptions in 2009 set the school season-record, joining Jim Ferranti (75 in 1979) and Herb Williams (72 in 1992) as the only YSU players to catch at least 70 passes in a campaign … His 77 catches are the most by a Penguin since YSU joined the Gateway Conference/Missouri Valley Football Conference and rank tied with Cornell Craig of Southern Illinois (1999) and Sam Logan of Indiana State (2005) for fifth place on the conference annual record chart … Despite not wresting a starting job until the team's sixth game of the 2008 season, his seven touchdown catches that year rank sixth on the school season-record list behind Jim Ferranti (13 in 1979 and 10 in 1978), John Goode (11 in 1983), Don Zwisler (9 in 1994) and Elliott Giles (8 in 1999) … His string of at least one catch in 22 consecutive games is the sixth-longest in Youngstown State annals … Closed out the 2008 season with at least one touchdown catch in each of his last four games, joining Herb Williams (1992) as the only Penguins to record such a string … In 2009, Jones had eleven receptions in both the Southern Illinois and Missouri State games, tying the school record that he shares with T.J. Peterson (vs. James Madison in 2006) and Dave DelSignore (vs. Southern Illinois in 1968) … He is the only YSU player to record ten or more catches in a game three times in both a season and career … His 67-yard touchdown reception in the 2008 Illinois State game was the longest grab by a Penguin since Elliott Giles hauled in a 82-yarder vs. Montana in 1999 … Jones caught 108-of-165 passes targeted into his area (65.45%), as the opposition deflected 15 of those attempts and YSU quarterbacks misfired on 39 other throws (three drops in 23 games) … 66 of those receptions (61.11%) have produced first downs, as Jones converted nineteen third-down tosses and five more on fourth-down plays … In addition to his 13 touchdown grabs, he came up with key catches that led to 25 Youngstown State touchdowns and on eight other possessions that led to field goals … On 26-of-93 non-touchdown grabs (27.96%), it took at least two defenders to bring him down after the catch … 51 of his catches (47.22%) were good for at least 10 yards, including fourteen (12.96%) for 20 yards or longer … In the 2008 Illinois State contest, Jones gained 136 yards receiving and Dominique Barnes totaled 100, becoming the first YSU tandem to register 100 yards each in the same game for YSU since 1987, when Maury Bibent (127) and Lorenzo Davis (111) accomplished that feat vs. Murray State … Both receivers repeated that feat (Jones gained 130 and Barnes had 113) vs. Missouri State in 2009, becoming the first Penguins pair to accomplish that feat twice in a career.

All-American third-team and All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report (also received that scouting information service's vote on the Football Writers Association All-American team) … Became the first receiver since 1992 and the first junior college transfer since 2003 to serve as squad captain … Started all year at the "X" (flanker) position, as he led the team, ranked second in the conference and finished 13th nationally with an average of 7.0 receptions per game … Placed third in the MVFC with an average of 71.82 yards per game receiving … Paced the Penguins with a school season-record 77 receptions, as he gained 790 yards on those grabs, an average of 10.26 yards per reception … In addition to his six touchdown catches, he came up with crucial grabs to set up thirteen other touchdown drives and get the team in field position to make seven of their nine field goals … Scored 36 points, but had a major role in 135 of the 188 points produced by the offense … Dropped three of the 106 passes targeted into his area, as the opposition deflected four of those throws and YSU quarterbacks misfired on 24 other attempts … 43 of his 77 receptions (55.84%) produced first downs, as he converted twelve third-down throws and three others on fourth-down snaps … 34 of his grabs were good for at least 10 yards (44.16%), including six for 20 yards or longer … On 21 of his 70 non-touchdown catches, it took at least two defenders to stop him (30.00%) … Also gained 55 yards on eight punt returns (6.88 average) and recorded one solo tackle.

In his first season at Youngstown State, Jones was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference's All-Newcomer Team … Played in all twelve games, starting eight contests, including the team's final seven at "X" receiver … Finished third on the team with 31 catches for 510 yards (16.45 yards per catch), as his seven touchdowns rank sixth on the school's season-record list … Ranked second on the Penguins in scoring with 42 points … 23 of his receptions (74.19%) produced first downs, as hew converted seven third-down plays and two more on fourth-down snaps … 17 of his grabs (54.84%) were good for at least 10 yards, including eight for 20 yards or longer … Had key receptions to set up twelve touchdown drives and on one possession that ended with a field goal … On 57 passes targeted to him, the opposition deflected 11 of those throws and YSU quarterbacks misfired on 15 other attempts … Became the first player since Herb Williams in 1992 to record at least one touchdown reception in four consecutive games, accomplishing that feat in the teams final four contests vs. Northern Iowa, Illinois State, Western Illinois (one in each) and Indiana State (two scores) … Participated in a total of 542 offensive snaps … Received the Derek Pixley Hit of the Game honor vs. Missouri State and Illinois State.

The team Most Valuable Player added All-North East Conference honors, leading his team to the league title and a victory over Glendale Community College at the Sun Bowl, as he snatched 42 passes for 748 yards (17.81-yard average) with five touchdowns, including a 75-yarder to help the team compile a 7-3 record as a sophomore.

Jones appeared in a total of nine games, including seven as a receiver, as he caught 11 passes for 179 yards (16.27-yard average) … Also performed on special teams, returning six kickoffs for 150 yards (25.0 average) and two punts for 19 yards (9.5 average) … Carried once for no gain and attempted one pass.

No major injuries reported.

Campus: 4.46 in the 40-yard dash … 1.50 10-yard dash … 2.56 20-yard dash … 4.14 20-yard shuttle … 11.69 60-yard shuttle … 7.01 three-cone drill … 38-inch vertical jump … 9'10" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times.

Lettered in 2006-07 for head coach Mark Duda at Lackawanna (Pa.) Community College …

In a total of 19 games (17 as a receiver), he caught 53 passes for 927 yards (17.49 yards per carry) and five touchdowns … Also gained 38 yards on seven carries (5.43 yards per carry), 64 yards on six punt returns (10.67 average), 150 yards on six kickoff returns (25.0 average) and attempted a pair of passes, in addition to recording a solo tackle.

Attended Plainfield (N.J.) High School, playing football as a wide receiver and strong safety for head coach Clinton Jones … Earned All-State, All-Area, All-Group IV, All-Division North II and All-Watchung American Conference honors as a senior … Received a two-star prospect rating from Scout.com and was named as one of the Super 100 players on the Rivals.com squad … In 2005, Jones collected 24 passes (team completed just 46 tosses) for 418 yards (17.42 average) and three touchdowns, adding two more scores on six rushing attempts … Also averaged 33.75 yards with an 80-yard score as a kickoff returner (eight attempts) and 14.33 yards with another score on punt returns (12 chances), adding nine tackles with two pass deflections and a forced fumble on defense during his final campaign … His senior year highlights included 74 yards and a score on three grabs and 100 yards on two kickoff returns vs. Shabazz High, adding a 19-yard touchdown run vs. Cranford … Scored on a 3-yard reverse vs. Union High and raced 56 yards for a score on a punt return while killing a pair of East Side High possessions with third-down pass break-ups … Exploded for an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown vs. Elizabeth High and handed Union a 20-0 shutout, as he caused a crucial touchdown to set up his own 24-yard scoring grab, making five catches for 69 yards … Perhaps his most sensational touchdown catch was the 67-yarder as #10 snared the ball between two safeties before heading to the end zone for the Cardinals vs. Bridgewater-Raritan … Was named MVP of the North-South All-Star Game after his senior season … Also lettered in baseball.

Communication Studies major … Recipient of the 2009-10 Arnold D. Stambaugh Scholar-ship … Son of Lesley Tyleer and Donald Jones, III … Has two brothers and one sister … Born 12/17/87 … Resides in Plainfield, New Jersey.