Cam Jones Makes Big Comeback From Injury Against Connecticut

Cam Jones has proven himself to be a weapon of destruction for Indiana’s defense. He didn’t waste any time making up for lost opportunities against Connecticut. 

For three weeks, Cam Jones spent countless hours working to rehab his ankle injured in the season-opener against Ball State. 

"Three or four days in a row I was spending eight to 10 hours in the training room to get back and they were taking care of me," Jones said. “Every single hour, I didn’t leave. I knew how important it was to the team to be back on the field."

Jones eased his way back on the field against Ohio State, and was quick to remind everyone what Indiana’s defense had been missing with his performance that earned him Defensive Player of the Game against Connecticut. 

Jones had four tackles, one for a three-yard loss, and devastated the Huskies early in the second half when he ran an interception 44 yards for a touchdown. Jones’ 44-yard pick six against UConn was just the third takeaway Indiana’s forced this season. 

“He should have had another pick. I thought he was going to get another one,” Tom Allen said. “But he's probably the most athletic guy in that part of the field for sure, definitely at linebacker.”

Believe it or not, Jones was committed as a wide receiver. With the depth at the position, Allen took advantage of his athleticism, versatility, and dedication to the game of football to put him where he was needed— at linebacker, where he earned 2018 Defensive Newcomer of the year.

“Really versatile guy,” Allen said. “He played defensive end, wildcat quarterback, wide receiver, safety. He never played linebacker in high school, so he's still young at the position, but yeah, his passion for wanting to -- he was so passionate about getting back on that field and wanted to play against Ohio State last week, and that just -- yeah, it carries over into his preparation because you don't just turn it on, turn it off. That's who he is.”

On and off the field Jones proves himself to lead by example, making an impact as just a sophomore. It appears as if Jones is poised for a breakout season.

Jones played very well against ranked teams last year, recording his first fumble recovery, an interception and three solo tackles against No. 24 Michigan State and a recovered fumble against No. 3 Ohio State.

His leadership and defensive toughness will be relied upon Saturday as Indiana hits the road to battle Michigan State.