Purdue RB Markell Jones benefits from early arrival

Those first two weeks of spring practice are a distant memory for running back Markell Jones.

Last year’s Indiana Mr. Football enrolled at Purdue in January in an effort to make inroads with his academic and athletic careers. There was a lot to learn. There were early struggles on the football field, resulting in missed assignments.

Jones, though, is ahead of the other freshmen on the roster. The talented running back has worked with the first- and second-team offense throughout most of camp and is in a favorable position to see playing time when the Boilermakers open the season Sept. 6 at Marshall.

“It took me a little bit of time to get used to going to class and coming back to football,” said Jones, who helped lead Columbus East to the 2013 Class 4A title. “It was a new feeling for me. It was an awesome experience coming in early and I think I got a lot from it.”

Although no official depth chart has been released, D.J. Knox has the No. 1 spot with Jones right behind the sophomore. Keyante Green, the only running back with game experience in the backfield, has taken a bulk of the snaps with the No. 3 offense.

Regardless of the order, the Boilermakers will look to utilize at least three running backs this season. Right now, Jones is part of the mix.

“I wouldn’t say I’m secure where I’m at right now because nothing is set and I want to continue to work hard and come for the No. 1 spot,” Jones said. “It’s nice to know the coaches trusted me enough to run with the 2s right now as far as where I’m at mentally and physically. I think I’ve done a pretty good job in the two position now.”

One reason was his decision to arrive on campus early after rushing for a state-record 3,565 yards and 60 touchdowns as a senior. But this was a new experience for Jones on two fronts.

He had to compete for a job, which didn’t happen late in his career at Columbus East, and become involved in the passing game.

“I knew I was going to be the running back,” Jones said of high school. “Coming in here you have other guys who are Mr. Football and great guys in their states. To put them together on one team, it pushed me physically and it pushed me more to work harder and get better.”

After the first initial practices in the spring, Jones began to adjust to the quicker college tempo and spent more time studying the playbook.

“Freshmen that report early look completely different than the rest of the guys right now just because he’s strong with what he’s going to do with his assignments,” running backs coach Jafar Williams said. “He’s really improving and needs to continue to improve in pass protections. He’s a strong guy. His lower body is very strong and he’s done a great job in the offseason.”

This year’s running game will have a different look after Akeem Hunt and Raheem Mostert took their speed to NFL training camps in hopes of making a roster.

Don’t overlook the speed from this year’s running backs, Jones warned.

“We’re hard-nosed guys who aren’t afraid to stick their nose in there and get physical,” he said. “We might be short but don’t get it twisted – we are physical guys and we’ll come in there and deliver a hit. We have some guys who can run away in the open field. We’re not Raheem Mostert or Akeem Hunt; we’re not going to run a 4.3 or anything like that but we still have some guys that can be good football players.”

Jones isn’t interested in waiting to start his college career. It doesn’t appear that will be the case when Purdue begins the 2015 season.

“I don’t want to sit out a year of football. I love playing football. I would love the opportunity to play early and hopefully I get the nod Sept. 6 and play a little football,” Jones said.

Upcoming Purdue practice schedule

Thursday: 10:15 a.m.

Saturday: 11:15 a.m. (jersey scrimmage). Players will be available afterward to sign autographs