Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 21 Days (Herana-Daze Jones)

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Written By Amanda Pavelka

Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: #21 (Herana-Daze Jones)

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 203 Pounds

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Position: Defensive Back

For day 21 of the countdown for Indiana football countdown, it is only appropriate to remember one of the greatest Hoosiers to wear the number 21.

Herana-Daze Jones played linebacker and safety under Indiana Head Coach Cam Cameron from 2000 to 2002 and new Head Coach Gerry DiNardo from 2002 to 2004. He is best known for his record of 342 career tackles in his 4 years at Indiana, putting him at 4th in school history. His led IU with 100 tackles his senior year and ended with second-team All-Big Ten Honors. The Kentucky native's versatility earned him his dream to play professionally.

Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played a year on the practice squad and made the team in 2006. Jones played in all 16 games in 2006 and led the team in special teams tackles back-to-back years in 2006 (19 tackles) and 2007 (18 tackles). Jones' career with the Bengals came to an end when he was placed on the injured reserve list with a knee injury. After recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, Jones recorded four special teams tackles for the Bengals in 2008. In October 2008 he suffered a hamstring injury that basically ended his professional career. Jones' last shabang was with the Broncos where he recorded two tackles. He was released and signed with the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, New Orlean Saints, and Arizona Cardinals in 2009 and early 2010. Jones signed on with the Florida Tuskers (UFL) in 2010 after being released from the Cardinals and ended with 20 tackles. In 2011, Jones signed what would be his last contract with the Virginia Destroyers.

Knee and hamstring injuries cut Herana-Daze Jones' professional football career short, but he will always be remembered as one of the best Hoosiers to wear the number 21. Jones moved on to pursue a graduate degree at Purdue University and has a successful career in finance.