Spartan Nation EXCLUSIVE interview with RS-freshman TE Evan Jones!
Enjoy this Spartan Nation EXCLUSIVE interview with RS-freshman TE !Evan Jones!
Q: Evan “Bulldozer†Jones. How do you think you’re doing, brother?
A: I feel like I’m doing alright. You know, just getting better every day. Trying to learn offense to where I’m not making mistakes. Just 3% everyday, trying to get better.
Q: Last year you knew you were gonna red shirt. This year you know you’re playing for playing time. Even though it’s not supposed to be different, is it?
A: Yeah, yeah. It’s a lot different. Like last year I was on the defense, playing defense a lot. And now, this year, I’m actually competing with like injuries and everything. If someone else goes down you gotta be that next guy, you gotta be ready to get in there. So, yeah, it makes you want it more, makes you be on the edge more. So when you get that opportunity you try and make a big play.
Q: Who are you running with right now? What group are you running with?
A: I’m rotating with the 1’s, 2’s and 3’s. We’re all rotating in there.
Q: Who are primarily the three guys running right now. You, Josiah…
A: And Andrew Gleichert.
Q: So let me ask you this one. Depth chart situation…I know that everyone’s getting their reps. How do you think you’re doing?
A: I feel like I’m getting better. I feel like I’m getting better every day, but there’s still a lot to learn from every play. The defense has changed every single time you go up to the line of scrimmage, so you just gotta… Experience comes with talent.
Q: How is it different going from red shirting to playing? You’re naturally a high energy guy. I know you played defense on scout, but how does it switch? What’s the mindset?
A: Yeah. It’s more stressful, that’s for sure. And now that I’m like actually playing my position, it’s more… I enjoy it more. Being out there and making plays, doing the right thing, you get enjoyment out of it so it makes you want it that much more.
Q: You and Josiah are good friends but you’re also competing. It’s like you’re rooting for each other but you’re competing against each other. Talk about that dynamic.
A: You know, me and Josiah, we’re pretty good friends. We’re close. One of us makes a good play, the other one pats him on the back, and vice versa.
Q: What are you doing right now that’s at a 1st string level?
A: That’s a hard question. I’d like to think my footwork. My blocking’s not there, but I need to work on my hands more.
Q: So that’s where you’re struggling most is your hands?
A: Yeah, my number one focus is my hands.
Q: The offense has been struggling against this defense. Why is that?
A: Well, I feel like the offense, we’re all learning slow. We’re all getting different position changes. There’s new people out there. We’re all just trying to get on the same page and everything right now. And the defense, they can just run all wired up and everything, somewhat. So I feel like the offense has more to develop and come together.
Q: Is it panic time for the offense right now?
A: No, I don’t think it’s panic time. It’s just learning and experience.
Q: What’s the difference, because now you’re lining up and there’s a guy named Max Bullough across the way? Has he tattooed ya yet?
A: No, he hasn’t tattooed me yet.
Q: Alright, who’s tattooed ya? Has anybody gotten the Bulldozer yet?
A: I would say the defensive ends. They’ve tattooed me every now and then, but nothing that sticks out to me.
Q: Who is the hardest guy to block?
A: Honestly, Drone.
Q: Really? More than Calhoun or Rush or any of those guys?
A: Yeah, I’d say so. He’s really good with his hands. He gets it into your chest real fast.
Q: Let’s change the subject a little bit. I wanna talk about this offense and the way you’re developing and the way that you’re playing. When you look at this, and you look at all the things you’re learning, are you happy with where you’re at?
A: Um yeah, I’m happy. You compare me to last year, or in the fall, compared to my knowledge and everything. I’ve came a long way. My blocking has improved a lot. I’m feeling good about it, yeah. But there’s just so much more to learn and so much more to get better at.
Q: You’re one of the most honest people I know, so I’m gonna ask you a question. The top three tight ends are gonna play. Do you feel comfortable that you’re gonna hit the field this year?
A: Yeah, I feel like I’m gonna hit the field at some time.
Q: Talk about the different quarterbacks. What does each of them do differently? As a tight end you gotta think about that when you’re on the line of scrimmage getting ready for a play.
A: I feel like Andrew has more control of the situation, just with his experience and everything. I feel like Connor and Tyler, they both run better than Andrew. I mean, Andrew can still run but… Other than that there’s nothing really that sticks out. Other than like knowledge and everything, obviously, with experience.
Q: Connor and Tyler are more runners. So how is that different for you? How do you have to prep differently?
A: Actually, it kind of makes it a little bit easier for me, knowing that they can escape. Like if someone beats me off the edge or something, I don’t necessarily have more time, but I have to allow more time for Maxwell and stuff.
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