Jones Sees Reward For Making Move To Defensive Side

— A position switch helped Zach Jones land a football scholarship.

Jones had never played defense before this season, but the Rogers High senior moved from receiver to outside linebacker early in the season. He picked up his new assignment with ease and finished with 41 tackles to help lead Rogers to the playoffs.

He will continue his football career at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. after he signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday. Jones said he will first get a look at linebacker this August.

“This was my first year playing defense, it was really fun,” he said. “I still have a lot to learn, but the Evangel coaches said they are going to work with me. Playing college football is something I have dreamed about, but I never thought it would be on the defensive side.”

Jones had several offers, but said Evangel was a perfect fit. Evangel is affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination.

“After visiting, I felt that this was the place God wanted me to go to,” he said. “I really like the coaches and players, and I feel I can serve Christ with them.”

Jones is one of 32 players the Crusaders signed and Evangel assistant coach Kyle Williams feels that the 6-foot-3, 202 pound Jones can have an immediate impact.

“Zach is a special person, and he is everything we are looking for in student-athletes,” Williams said. “We are going to turn him loose and let him go get the quarterback.”

Jones probably turned in two of the biggest defensive plays the Mounties had last season.

Leading by five points and with Springdale High 10 yards from the Rogers end zone with under two minutes left in the 7A/6A-West Conference opener, Jones stopped Springdale running back Deandre Murray for a 4-yard loss on third down, then the senior batted down a pass on fourth down as the Mounties held on for a 47-42 victory.

That win pushed Rogers to 4-0 and on to the school’s first playoff appearance since 2006. It was also the first win against Springdale since 2007.

“That was the best game I have ever experienced,” Jones said.

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