THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 19, 1995 TAG: 9508190200
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
Linebacker Skeet Jones can eloquently explain in one word what he will contribute most to the University of Virginia defense this fall.
``Intensity,'' said the 6-foot-2, 226-pound fifth-year senior from Virginia Beach.
That intensity sparkles in Jones' eyes and bristles in his words as he speaks about the season ahead, which begins next Saturday at Michigan.
It is an intensity that has been building for four years, the length of time it has taken for Jones to get in position to prove himself on the football field.
``This season is long overdue,'' Jones said.
``It is time to show I am capable of being the big-time player that Virginia recruited me to be in 1991.''
Jones was one of the state's top athletes during his junior and senior years at Green Run High School, excelling in football, basketball and track.
But his progression to the spotlight was slower than he expected at Virginia.
He played mostly on special teams in 1992 after a red-shirt season. The last two years he played a backup role, starting twice.
Jones admits the waiting has been tough, especially with friends from the old neighborhood constantly asking, `Skeet, how come they're not playing you more?' ''
``I've said before I always had the potential to play with the best in the country,'' Jones said.
``It is just sometimes situations don't go your way. Sometimes decisions are made that you don't agree with. You've just got to keep playing hard and good things will come.''
Jones' career hasn't exactly been a bust.
He has played in 35 straight games, and last season played behind Randy Neal, one of the ACC's top linebackers, who signed with the Cleveland Browns.
``Randy was very special to me,'' Jones said. ``He taught me a lot about the game, and off the field he was like a brother to me. I miss him a lot, but I am ready to do the job he did, or even better.''
Virginia coaches are complimentary of Jones' contributions, both as a leader and player, over the last three years. Like him, they expect more this year.
Coach George Welsh says having to play backup roles at both inside and outside linebacker the last two years slowed Jones' progress.
``It is not easy to play both of those positions in our system,'' said Welsh, who senses ``a new maturity'' in Jones, elected a team captain by his teammates.
Jones said the maturity Welsh speaks about is on the field.
``I am still the outgoing, wild person I have been since the beginning of time, and I am always going to be Skeet (off the field),'' he said.
``But I have matured as a player. I understand the defense, and I can pick up what the offense wants to do, and I can come to the sidelines and say `They are doing this and we need to call this play.'
``I think the coaches respect me more now than a year ago, and my teammates respect me more, too. A lot of that has to do with my improvement and my desire.''
Virginia's defense was one of the best in the nation last year and largely responsible for the 9-3 record that included an Independence Bowl victory over Texas Christian.
Jones is determined to keep the defense playing at the same high level this season.
``Some times after a good season players might want to get lazy,'' Jones said. ``But I am not going to allow that to happen to my defense.''
His defense?
``If that sounds like I'm taking it personally, I do. I take it real personal,'' Jones said.
``I am the captain, and what I say in the huddle goes. We are going to run to the ball and swarm. We've got to want it more than ever before.''
``I've got to make the big plays, and I am taking it on my shoulders to do that. I am hungry.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Skeet Jones: ``It is time to show I am capable of being the big-time
player that Virginia recruited me to be in 1991.''
by CNB