Former UTEP running back Aaron Jones left quite an impression in El Paso. After a standout career at Burges High School, Jones went on to UTEP and became the school’s all-time leading rusher this past season. On New Year’s Eve, Jones declared for the NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility. As he prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft, Jones spoke with TexasHSFootball.com to give an update on how his preparation for the draft is going and reflect on his final season with the Miners.
How’s the training process been going so far?
The process has been going great. I’ve been training out here in Carlsbad, California against some of the top guys and it’s been fun so far ever since I got here in the beginning of January.
Is there a particular training area that you’re dedicating a little bit more time to?
My 40 time. I’m trying to get my speed into the 4.4’s and I was testing in the 4.5 to 4.6 range so I’m trying to get a little bit faster. That’s the biggest thing I’m working on right now.
What was the toughest part of your decision to leave UTEP for the NFL Draft?
I would definitely say leaving my brother (LB Alvin Jones). We’ve basically been playing on the same team since we were young and that was the toughest part in my decision.
Your final college game was arguably your best one (301 yards, 4 TDs). Did the game against North Texas factor into your decision at all?
No, it really didn’t. I just wanted to finish the season strong. It wasn’t just that game but it was the great season that I had overall.
What kind of feedback have you received from the NFL so far?
They’ve told me I could go anywhere from the third to fifth round. That’s what I’ve been told so far but once I get to the combine, I feel like that can really help me out as well.
What is one thing that you want teams to remember about you?
I want teams to know how hard I work and how dedicated I am, but I also want to show them how humble I am.
From playing high school football at Burges to playing at UTEP, what would you say is the one part of your game that you’ve improved the most?
I would definitely say my pass protection. I’ve worked to get a lot bigger and stronger but that’s the area I would say I’ve definitely improved on the most.
This past year, you were able to get through the full season healthy. How did that feel being able to do that after dealing with injuries the last couple of seasons?
It felt really good. One of my goals coming into the season was to finish the year healthy, finish strong and play every game and I accomplished that so I was pretty happy about that.
Is there anything you would like to say to the people of El Paso?
I just want to say thank you to the city and the people of El Paso for their continued support.
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