Don't sleep on USC running back Austin Jones. Between five seasons with the Trojans and at Stanford, Jones rushed for 2,337 yards and 24 touchdowns. A dual-threat back, Jones added 901 receiving yards and three touchdowns to his offensive totals.
Jones runs with great speed and burst and possesses the balance necessary to avoid going down on first contact. Jones recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his transfer from Stanford to USC, his coming Pro Day, playing in a zone-based scheme, and more.
JM: Now that you’ve had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Stanford to USC?
Austin Jones: I think it was a great decision for me. USC offered me a great opportunity coming out of the transfer portal. I played some big-time football at USC. They gave me an opportunity to showcase my talents on the biggest college football stage.
I was playing against the same caliber of teams, but the stage was bigger. We played in a Pac-12 Championship Game. I played in two Bowl games at USC. That was a big deal for me. It was a great opportunity for me.
JM: I can’t help but notice you stayed in the Pac-12. Was that a priority for you when you entered the portal?
Austin Jones: Honestly, that wasn’t a priority for me. Not at all. The relationship I had with the running back coach at USC, that was really the deciding factor. I also saw that Lincoln Riley was going to USC. I knew they were going to field an effective offense. I thought it was a great opportunity to prove myself and play on a productive offense.
JM: You rushed for 12 touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. How did you develop that knack for making the big play?
Austin Jones: I think that’s something I started developing in high school. I’ve never wanted to be a running back that gains three or four yards per carry. That’s not who I am. You always want to gain at least five yards per carry.
You’re halfway to a first down. After that, I let it ride and make people miss in the open field. I think that’s been my biggest attribute, my ability to make defenders miss in space. I can create for myself.
JM: How would you describe your identity as a running back? Are you somebody who wants to win the corner, or are you a between-the-tackles runner with great contact balance?
Austin Jones: I’m more of a between-the-tackles runner with great contact balance. My vision plays well into that. I play the game with great vision. My football IQ also plays a big role. I can identify where those holes are about to open up. I understand where my “outs” are if things don’t go according to plan, especially on those inside zone plays. I can hit those cutback lanes.
JM: Follow-up question. Do you see yourself playing in a gap/power scheme, or are you a better fit for a zone-based system?
Austin Jones: I’ve played in both. We ran some zone-based stuff at USC. At Stanford, it was a lot more gap stuff. I can play in both systems because I played well in both. I’ve had the opportunity to learn both of those schemes. I have multiple 100-yard games under my belt in both of those systems. It really depends on what team drafts me.
JM: When is Pro Day and are you planning on being a full participant?
Austin Jones: Pro Day is March 20 at USC. I will be a full participant. I’m looking forward to running the 40-yard dash. I can get out there and run. I know scouts want to see me run. I’m fast and I’m excited to showcase that. I’m going to show the scouts.
JM: Do you have any in-person workouts coming up?
Austin Jones: I’ll be attending the Las Vegas Raiders local Pro Day on April 5.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time. What kind of impact is Austin Jones going to make at the next level?
Austin Jones: I’m going to make a big impact at the next level. Whichever team gets me is getting a leader in the locker room. I’m the ultimate competitor. I’m a straight-up dog, a playmaker at the end of the day. I’ll do whatever it takes to get on the field. I’ll play special teams and do whatever it takes to get on the field.
Of course, I want to play running back, but I’ll do whatever it takes to prove myself to the coaching staff.
