Indiana Hoosier Linebacker Cam Jones is Built Different

Written by Zach Greene

Senior Cam Jones started once he stepped foot on campus. He has been through a lot while in the program, but one thing has always stayed the same. His work ethic. That’s why his teammates call him “The Last of a Dying Breed.”

“I think my mindset plays a huge part. After last season, my one word was work.” Jones said. “I have this phrase. Nobody cares how you feel, just work harder. It’s what I keep in the back of my head. Just coming to work every single day. I have guys on this team that help me win. When I don’t feel too good, we have guys that pick me up and we’re able to pick each other up.”

Jones is built differently than most and his peers would describe him as having that dog in him. Even when things on defense aren’t at their finest, he’s playing with 110-percent effort all of the time. He’s the type of player anyone wants in their program and in their organization. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s getting the attention of NFL scouts. 

Furthermore, during the first game, the Illini were at their Hoosier goal line and he brought his group together to come up with a huge stop during the start of the 4th quarter. He tallied two tackles during the stop and his awareness and mentality on the field are just different. Jones displays the character of this program.

“It shows the character of this defense and not giving them anything in the second half. It shows you how special we can be. We can do this. It just takes all 11 of us being on the same page.” Jones said when asked about the second-half performance. 

The Hoosiers in the second half displayed tremendous fight and grit, two of the best qualities that Jones has. They were down four touchdowns entering the second half and forced multiple three and outs and their pass coverage was vastly improved. That said, they know if they can put it together, they will be just fine. 

“You have to be productive, but you got to lead also. All those guys are growing in those areas. Cam has done a phenomenal job of leading by his example of being a verbal leader for the other guys in that room to see. That's a hard thing to do because you're putting yourself out there in front of the team sometimes. But just a group that we need to keep developing, keep growing as the year progresses. They got to keep making plays because that's what linebackers do.” Said Tom Allen on Monday

Tom Allen has given Jones full reigns to the linebacking core and trusts him to lead the group. Being a leader is not easy and comes with more responsibilities, but Jones is proving that he can be a tremendous leader and role model. If the Hoosier's defense can come out of the gates in Lincoln, the way they played in the second half this program will hopefully be 4-1 heading into homecoming week.