10 August 2023 , 15:59
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Second-year New England Patriots talent Marcus Jones hopes to play on offense, defense, and special teams this upcoming season.
In training camp so far, Jones has worked as a defensive back and punt returner. However, the Patriots utility player hopes to get reps on the offensive side of the ball as well.
Jones indicated that he hasn't participated in offensive workouts. Nonetheless, he admitted to being ready if he got the opportunity.
"I find out when you guys find out," Jones told the media. "I can't give you anything. I don't know anything right now. So whenever my number is called, I'll make sure I'm gonna be ready."
Jones admitted to needing to learn the offensive playbook or which schemes have been installed by offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.
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Last season, Jones played offense and defense for the Patriots while becoming an NFL First-Team All-Pro return specialist. He led the NFL in punt return yards with 362 and made history by scoring a receiving touchdown, a punt/kick-return touchdown, and a pick-six in the same season during the Super Bowl era.
The third-round draft pick played 370 snaps at cornerback, 164 in the kicking game, and 18 at wide receiver last season. However, he admitted to having a minimal conversation with O'Brien, with the extent being "How is your day going?"
Marcus Jones returns an interception for a touchdownDespite not taking any offensive reps, Jones admitted that he would prepare to play in all three areas on the field. His primary focus remains on ensuring that he continues learning the details of the Patriots playbook in case he is ever called upon.
"My main focus is to make sure that I know what to do and how to do it, whether that's offense or defense or special teams," Jones said. "The main thing is making sure that I'm in the playbook, throughout the day and at night."
The Patriots selected Jones with the No. 85 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played at Troy University from 2017 to 2018 and at the University of Houston from 2019 to 2021.
Jones was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and second-team all-conference as a return specialist. He returned 30 kickoffs for 879 yards, three touchdowns, and 14 punts for 121 yards while also intercepting two passes on defense, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
As a sophomore, he was recognised for his outstanding performance in returning kicks and cornerback. He returned 23 kickoffs for 584 yards and scored one touchdown, earning him a spot on the first-team All-Sun Belt as a return specialist. Additionally, he broke up eight passes and made one interception, earning him a spot on the second-team as a cornerback.
Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said Jones' abilities progressed beyond last season. He understands more of the playbook, opponents, and team plans.