Jones Taking Nothing For Granted
August 06, 2024 | Football, Joel Coleman
Talented corner treasures every minute of his opportunity at Mississippi State.
STARKVILLE – If you had a working crystal ball and were able to take a glance at an NFL game a few years down the road, it wouldn't be surprising at all if you saw Kelley Jones making a big play on a future Sunday.
The Mississippi State redshirt freshman cornerback has all the potential in the world. He's got the physical traits – standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 195 pounds. He's lightning fast, too. In many ways, he appears to be a taller version of Bulldog great and now-Washington Commanders corner Emmanuel Forbes.
The old phrase, 'The sky is the limit', certainly seems to apply to Jones as he goes through preseason camp eyeing a starting job in the MSU secondary. But there's one person not thinking too far ahead. That'd be Kelley Jones himself.
"I get up every morning and thank God for the position I'm in," Jones said after practice on Tuesday. "Everybody doesn't get to be in this position. I'm just taking it all in, knowing also that any moment, my spot could be taken. So, I'm embracing every moment. I'm listening to my coaches and going hard. I'm working on my technique and doing the things God lets me do."
Jones' gratitude is genuine. It's seen in the joy he plays with. The Clarksdale, Mississippi, native considers himself so fortunate because he's seen many who were unable to fulfil the dreams Jones is now living out. Plus, he wants to approach things the right way for not only himself, but others that might be looking at him wanting to follow in his footsteps.
"I'm just taking everything in," Jones said. "I know some people that didn't make it to college, and I know some people where I'm from that don't even get to [keep] living life sometimes.
"So I just want to be a good example for the kids. I want them to know you can be what you want to be no matter what people say. Just embrace every moment. Don't care what anyone says. Go out and have fun. You only get one life. Go out and maximize your opportunities."
To be sure, in order for Jones to truly make the most of his chances this season, there is plenty of work to do. As talented as he is, he's far from a finished product.
Helping Jones along in his development is State corners coach Corey Bell. Bell is fully aware of how bright Jones' star could shine in the years to come. To get there though, Jones must keep grinding.
"It's about cleaning up the little things, which he and I discussed, and we are on the same page with that," Bell said. "He's doing a good job with that.
"You don't find a lot of 6-foot-4 corners. When you have one, it is a unique situation. There's some adjustment to it in terms of what's comfortable with him – not only with his technique, but also making sure he gets his speed back and is comfortable doing the things we are asking him to do."
It probably won't surprise you given Jones' outlook on things that he's enjoying the hard coaching from Bell.
"Getting better each and every day," Jones said of the work with Bell. "He likes to be hard on me and likes to show me that you can't let up because your opponent is waiting for you to put your head down or show that you are tired. I like the aggression and I wake up every day knowing [Bell] is about business."
With his God-given talent and physical traits, as well as the guidance from Bell, Jones' stock is likely to soon skyrocket. That's certainly Jones' mindset and hope.
"I'm trying to maximize this moment," Jones said. "Last year, I was just ready to get in and have fun and see what it's like. This year, I'm in a position where I feel like I should be in. I can show the world who I am and let everyone know I'm here to stay."
And Jones will do it all with the utmost appreciation.
"My teammates tell me I am one of one," Jones said. "So, I try to take everything in and use what God gave me because it doesn't come around but every blue moon."
