Blue Hen safety returns to Hodgson position Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
Three-year starter Ray Jones is beginning something new for the University of Delaware football team this spring.
And it has a pleasant, comfortable feel that Jones expects will benefit the Blue Hens when the 2018 season arrives.
The 2015 Hodgson Vo-Tech graduate has started 30 games at safety since he arrived at Delaware, missing two games and one start at the end of his sophomore season because of a foot injury.
When Rhode Island visits Delaware Stadium for the Aug. 30 opener, however, Jones could be playing the Hens’ “bandit” outside linebacker position in its 3-4 defense.
Jones didn’t steal the spot from someone. He is stepping in for graduating Anthony Jackson, a three-year starter.
As a position that requires quickness, aggressiveness, mobility and the ability to cover receivers, it’s the ideal spot for the 6-foot, 210-pound Jones, Delaware coach Danny Rocco said.
“We want to be able to do more things with that position, and with a player like Buck, with that body type, that type of athlete, it allows you to do some different kinds of things schematically because of his versatility,” Rocco said referring to Jones by his popular nickname.
Rocco places great value on the bandit and “rover” safety positions, which he considers somewhat interchangeable.
“There are a lot of things that are very similar in what they have to be able to do,” said Rocco of the combination of run stopping and pass coverage.
At Hodgson, Jones made a name as a quarterback, piling up 8,483 yards of total offense and 117 touchdowns in his career. The Silver Eagles were Division II state champions his junior and senior years as state runners-up his sophomore season.
As a Hodgson senior, Jones was state Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,461 yards and 30 touchdowns, passing for 1,137 yards and 13 TDs, plus running for eight two-point conversions and throwing for seven.
But he also excelled on defense as an outside linebacker, putting down the foundation for his college career and showing the talents that drew scholarship offers from the likes of Tennessee and Temple. He also ran back a kickoff, an interception and two fumbles for TDs as a Hodgson senior.
“It takes me back to high school,” Jones said of moving to linebacker. “Different view on the field. I can see much better. My keys happen a lot faster. I think I feel way, way more comfortable.”
Being closer to the snap of the football and the game’s tumultuous swirl appeals to Jones.
He has been in on 137 tackles in his UD career, including six for lost yardage, intercepted two passes, broken up 15, and recovered a fumble. His 60 takedowns last year (34 solos) ranked third on the team.
“If I have to go back,” he said, “safety’s not a problem. I just feel better down there [at linebacker].
“Things happen faster. My reaction time is getting better. You have to move your feet differently, a lot of shuffling, not as much backpedaling like I was doing the last three years.”
Jones said he and his teammates were talking about him making such a positional switch this winter even before coaches broached the subject with him. All agreed it would benefit the defense.
Rocco said there were plans to give starting cornerback Malcolm Brown a look at safety this spring because of his all-around talents before a torn Achilles tendon sidelined him. Brown is expected to play this fall. Tim Poindexter, who saw regular back-up duty last fall as a red-shirt freshman, has led the competition aiming to step into Jones’ old safety spot.
“Me moving down,” Jones said, “it gives our defense a much more versatile look. Defending the pass, we’re going to look different this year, and it’ll help the defensive line with their pass rushing.”
Jones will often be covering slot receivers, which he also did at his safety position, while cornerbacks handle those split wide. He’ll also have to handle some tight ends periodically, plus ward off big tackles coming out to block him.
“I feel much more comfortable down there,” Jones said after practice Thursday, Delaware’s last before spring break. The Hens resume April 5. “Taking on bigger guys, it’s much more physical. Stuff I like to do.”
Jones hopes his comfort creates discomfort for UD foes.
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Head Coach Danny Rocco and the University of Delaware football team hit the field Tuesday to begin training. Jerry Habraken / The News Journal
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Nicole Enabosi was awarded several Colonial Athletic Association honors, but none of them bigger than Player of the Year. She is the first POY for a Delaware team since Elena Delle Donne. The Hens open CAA postseason tournament play Thursday in Philadelphia. Wochit
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Delaware was on the losing end of a historic comeback at Drexel. The Blue Hens allowed a 34-point first half lead slip away as Drexel took over in the second half. There were a variety of reasons the Hens lost. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Delaware's Darian Bryant was called for a foul as he contested a Drexel three-point try in a tie game's final seconds. A pair of free throws was the difference in the Blue Hens 85-83 loss in a game they lead by 34. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Delaware breaks a 9-game losing streak to head into final week of conference play. Elon was the victim Saturday as the Hens took a 20-point lead in the second half and were able to coast for first win in a month, 72-57. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Delaware went toe-to-toe with league-best James Madison and came up short, but team members drew confidence from their showing. "We competed," coach Natasha Adair said. "This felt like March Madness already." William Bretzger/The News Journal
Delaware coach Martin Ingelsby was calling foul over a no-call on a last-second shot denied by Towson Thursday. Three free throws could have given the Hens the win on the road, instead they extended a long losing streak. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Delaware has dropped 9 straight games, losing Thursday at Towson. They retain confidence in their game, however. The return of Ryan Daly after missing five games with an ankle injury still wasn't enough. William Bretzger/The News Journal
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An injury to leading scorer Ryan Daly's ankle could keep him off the court for three weeks, but the Delaware men's basketball team won't use it as an excuse. "It's next man up," forward Eric Carter said after a loss to Hofstra Saturday. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Defense let down Hens Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
Delaware played the CAA preseason College of Charleston close in a 62-54 loss Thursday. "It came down to a couple of plays," forward Eric Carter said.
A win at home against Drexel sets the stage for Delaware to go on a three-game winning streak in CAA play. They play at JMU Saturday. William Bretzger/The News Journal
UD's Ingelsby: "You knew it was going to be an up and down game." Jerry Habraken / The News Journal
Delaware players and head coach are focusing on their next opponent after a lopsided loss to William and Mary. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Sophomore scores career-high 21 Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
UD's Gonzales: 'A big thing was discipline' Jerry Habraken / The News Journal
Leaves Coastal Carolina for hometown Blue Hens football program Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
University of Delaware men's basketball went into overtime to beat Cornell University at the Bob Carpenter Center to close out their non-conference part of their schedule for this season. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
Delaware junior Nicole Enabosi sets a school record with eight consecutive double doubles in a 71-38 win over Loyola. Daniel Sato/The News Journal/Wochit
Delaware took care of CSU Bakersfield, beating the Roadrunners 76-62 Wednesday. Head coach Martin Ingelsby said his team has confidence with one game left before conference play. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Middletown running back/linebacker Kedrick Whitehead commits to play football at the University of Delaware. Daniel Sato/The News Journal/Wochit
Mike Brey's return to Delaware as Notre Dame head coach had an impact on both sides of the court. For Delaware's Martin Ingelsby, it was a chance to compete against his mentor on a big stage. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Blue Hens head coach Martin Ingelsby talks about the upcoming Saturday night game against Notre Dame and coach Mike Brey. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
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Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby said his team was able to learn more about itself in its win against Wesley Friday. William Bretzger/The News Journal
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Wolverine head coach Dean Burrows said he thought Wesley accomplished goals in a loss at Delaware Friday. The talent and effort of his team might have opened some eyes about Division III play, he said. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Wolverine Brian Cameron had a game-high 30 points for Wesley in a loss at Delaware Friday. He said afterward that the step up in play could help his team in the long run. William Bretzger/The News Journal
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Delaware downs American Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
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American visits Thursday Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
Delaware head football coach Danny Rocco said following his team's 22-3 win against Albany that the Blue Hens responded in the second half after going to halftime 3-3. William Bretzger/The News Journal
Daly scores 22 Kevin Tresolini, The News Journal
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Delaware coach Ingelsby discusses loss at Hofstra
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UD's Gonzales: 'A big thing was discipline'
Ex-Sals standout Cathers transfers to Delaware
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Enabosi sets Delaware record for consecutive double doubles
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Danny Rocco discusses FCS tourney snub
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UD's Ingelsby: 'Great night for sports in the state'
UD's Mosley: Wesley 'one of hardest playing teams' Hens will face
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Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @kevintresolini.
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