2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 52 Days (Shamar Jones)

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

The Countdown to Kickoff is nearing the halfway point as we are now down to 52 days until IU battles Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Today we feature the two guys who will wear the number 52 jersey— first up is Shamar Jones on defensive side of the ball, and later today Joshua Sales on offense.

Shamar Jones

Position: Defensive Lineman

Year: Redshirt Junior

Hometown: Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Height/Weight: 6’1”/264 pounds

In 2017, as the No. 90 defensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 27 prospect in the state (ESPN), Jones chose to continue his football career at IU over Wake Forest.

Jones was a key defensive player for the Greater Johnstown Trojans where he wrapped up his high school football career with 244 tackles, 34.5 for loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, one blocked field goal, and three touchdowns. He led the Trojans to back-to-back district championships and earned 4A all-state, All-Western Pennsylvania, all-area selection, was named to the U-19 National Team, and chosen for the 2017 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl.

Jones redshirted his first season in 2018, after having only played in the Ball State matchup. As a freshman in 2019, he took the field in 12 games at defensive tackle and tallied eight tackles, a half-sack, two for loss, and a quarterback hurry.

After having only appeared in the Hoosiers’ game at Penn State last season, Jones will look to fight for more snaps as a junior in 2021. Jones is one of the upperclassman defensive lineman that will be looked to step up and add some depth in 2021.