University of Toledo junior Ronnie Jones is a natural running back, but shifting back to the position this season after playing two years at safety for the Rockets, Jones has had to shake off a few defensive habits as he continues to develop as a rusher.
“He’s doing a better job of picking up blitzes and understanding protection and blocking technique,” UT running backs coach Kerry Dixon said. “When we first got him, he liked to tackle guys because that’s what he was used to the past couple years.”
Jones was an accomplished rusher at Pittsburgh Central Catholic before he arrived on Toledo’s campus, accumulating nearly 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior. But with a need in the secondary, Jones shifted to defense where the past two seasons he has accumulated 17 tackles as a backup safety.
As he joins a talented group of running backs with returning standouts Shakif Seymour and Art Thompkins as well as Kentucky transfer Bryant Koback, UT coach Jason Candle still envisions a role for Jones.
“It’s his natural position,” Candle said. “He’s played running back his entire life. Certainly we wouldn’t have made that move if we didn’t think it would help our football team. He’s a good player. We have to find ways to get him on the field and give him the ball.”
WATCH: Ronnie Jones on returning to the running back position
Jones said he got a few reps at safety in high school and had to draw on that experience as he changed positions as a freshman at Toledo. He learned from players such as Delando Johnson, DeJuan Rogers, and Connery Swift and felt like he was progressing as a safety.
The coaches took notice of the selflessness Jones displayed in playing a position he wasn’t too familiar with coming in.
“It tells you a lot about his character and how unselfish he is,” Dixon said. “A guy who will give up himself for the benefit of others, that’s exactly what you want on your team. It shows his humility. It’s not all about him, and he shows that every day. I’m glad he is back with us.”
Jones has quickly transitioned back to running back and was the leading rusher in the spring game with eight carries for 63 yards.
“I really have enjoyed it,” Jones said. “Honestly for me, it is just doing what is best for the team. At the time, they saw me as a safety. When I came back to running back, though, it was great because it feels natural. It feels good running and it feels good being with the offense.”
Jones is in a crowded backfield, and he knows nothing is guaranteed as far as playing time or a role in the offense.
“Right now there are no depth charts,” Jones said. “We are all just working to the best of our abilities. Nothing is ever given. Everything is earned. We are just working toward our full potential.”
Dixon said the running backs have welcomed Jones with open arms and are helping him get up to speed with the offense. In the meantime, Dixon is working with Jones on things such as keeping his pad level low for a low center of gravity and fine-tuning his route-running and blocking techniques.
“He has a natural knack for running the football,” Dixon said. “He runs extremely hard, which is great. We tell guys, if you play fast good things will happen. He’s a great testament to that. He plays fast every single day and good things happen to him.”
Jones is confident he will be called upon at some point this season to contribute on the field. When that does happen, Jones says he will be ready.
“When God gives me my shot, I’m going to take it,” Jones said. “Whenever God gives it to me, it’s going to be a real opportunity. I feel like everything happens for a reason and I feel like I’ve been put in this position to grow.”
Contact Brian Buckey at bbuckey@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @BrianBuckey.
First Published August 17, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
