Felix Jones

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Felix Jones (born May 8, 1987 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is a running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, who was selected 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played collegiately for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Nicknamed Felix "The Cat" or "Jet" by some fans, he has the ability to quickly cut from one direction to the other, and then quickly outrun the opposing players.

[edit] High school career

Jones attended and played high school football for Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He led the Hornets to the state championship game his senior season. Felix was a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com, and was considered one of the Top 25 running backs in the nation. He was also awarded the prestigious honor of being named the Tulsa World Player of the Year. Following his senior season, Jones initially committed to Oklahoma State, but just before National Signing Day, he backed out of his verbal commitment to Oklahoma State and instead signed with Arkansas.

[edit] College career

While serving primarily as the back-up for All-American and two time Doak Walker Award winner Darren McFadden, Jones has been used in a variety of ways alongside McFadden and fullback Peyton Hillis in the Arkansas backfield. In the famous Wildhog formation, Jones can be used as a runner, receiver, blocker, or simply a decoy. Jones has also gained fame for his ability in returning kickoffs. Using his speed, ability to dodge tacklers, and block reading ability, Jones has returned four kickoffs for touchdowns in his Arkansas career.

[edit] Freshman (2005)

Jones began the season second on the Arkansas depth chart, ahead of McFadden, but behind starter De'Arrius Howard. While he was eventually passed by McFadden, Jones's freshman season was nevertheless exceptional. Jones finished second in the nation in kickoff returns (including a 100-yard return for a touchdown) and was named All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com and a freshman All-American by a number of outlets. He was also named 1st Team SEC as a kick returner, and given a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Had it not been for teammate Darren McFadden's performance (1,113 yards) during the same season, Jones would have set a new Arkansas Razorbacks freshman ru, as he finished with 626 yards and 3 TDs on only 99 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per tote. ^[1]

[edit] Sophomore (2006)

In the 2006 season, Jones rushed for 1,168 yards and scored 6 touchdowns on only 154 carries, and averaged an impressive 7.6 yards per carry. Felix was also an all-American kickoff returner and had one TD on a 100-yard kickoff return against Ole Miss, and caught 15 passes for 107 yards and 3 touchdowns. Alongside McFadden, 2006 was the first time in University of Arkansas history that two different running backs rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the same season. Felix was named 1st Team SEC by the conference's coaches, and 2nd Team SEC by the media. That team finished 10-4 and won the SEC West Division title.^[2]

[edit] Junior (2007)

Jones' junior campaign looks to have met the standard of his sophomore season. He finished with 123 carries for 1,117 yards and 11 TDs, while averaging a whopping 9.1 yards per carry which leads the nation. He also leads the Southeastern Conference in kickoff returns with 18 for 564 yards and 2 TD's, averaging 31.3 yards per return. Felix also has 13 receptions for 111 yards. 2007 marks the second straight year that Jones and Darren McFadden have both eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in a season. The 2007 Razorbacks finished 8-4 with a date versus Missouri in the January 1, 2008 Cotton Bowl. Felix was named to the 2007 1st Team SEC squad as a kick returner, and 2nd Team SEC as a running back. He was also named an All-American kick returner.

After Bobby Petrino was hired by the Razorbacks as head coach, he stated that Jones was his "highest recruiting target." In one of his first acts upon being named head coach, Petrino met with Jones to discuss his future with Arkansas. However, Jones decided to skip his senior season to enter the 2008 NFL Draft where numerous publications project him to be taken in the first or second round.

[edit] Professional career

Jones was selected in the first round (22nd overall) by the Dallas Cowboys. Many Cowboys fans have given him and teammate Marion Barber III the nickname "Bash & Flash."

[edit] Career stats

[edit] Notes

[edit] External Links

• Felix Jones Arkansas Running Back
• 2008 NFL Draft Scouting Report
• Felix Jones' NFL Profile