Jermaine Jones headed to NY for rookie mini-camp with New York Jets

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — 2009 New Hanover High graduate Jermaine Jones didn’t receive a scholarship offer from St. Augustine’s for his play on the gridiron. He had to walk-on. Jones eventually earned a scholarship, and then some.

Jones was not selected by any of the NFL teams in the 2014 NFL Draft, but the New York Jets invited Jones to rookie mini-camp. That’ll take place later this week. “After the draft ended on my way to get something to eat I got a call from my agent. Make sure your phone is on and you’re not on it,” Jones said. “A couple minutes later the New York Jets called. They made an offer for me to come to rookie mini-camp this upcoming weekend.” Just like that the disappointment turned to jubilation. “I’m just thankful for this opportunity.” In an opportunity for Jones mainly due to his speed. He is one of the fastest sprinters in the nation. “My fastest time in the 40 is 4.35, fastest time in the 100 is 10.23, fastest time in the 200 was 20.57.”

Those times may sound like random numbers, but they’re not. They’re blazing fast. We’ve posted more information below from St. Augustine’s.

Click the icon above to see WWAY’s interview with Jermaine Jones and his reaction on heading to New York.

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RALEIGH, NC (ST.AUG RELEASE) — Two-sport standout Jermaine Jones (Sr./Wilmington, NC) of Saint Augustine’s University has been invited to the New York Jets rookie mini-camp, which will be held this week.

Jones, a wide receiver, said the minicamp will not prevent him from competing in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which will be held the following week in Michigan. Last year’s 200 meter champion, Jones will help the Falcons defend their men’s national title.

The Jets were among several teams enamored with Jones’ speed leading up to the NFL Draft, which was held May 8-10. Jones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at North Carolina State University’s Pro Day on March 24 and has been timed as low as 4.4.

In football, Jones used his blazing speed to outrun defenders and get behind the defense for receptions. During his four-year career, Jones caught 86 passes for 1,154 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also returned 48 kickoffs for 975 yards and one touchdown. As a sophomore, Jones led the Falcons with 13 total tackles on special teams.

As a junior, Jones was named the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Men’s Track Athlete of the Year after keying the Falcons to the national crown in 2013. He was the anchor runner on the 4×100 relay team which set the Division II record twice at the 2013 Outdoor Championships. The Falcons are the only Division II team to run under 39 seconds (38.91) in the 4×100 relay. His time of 20.64 in the 200 meters is currently the fastest in Division II in 2014.

Jones graduated from Saint Augustine’s University May 4 with a degree in human performance and wellness.

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Click the icon above to see WWAY’s interview with Jermaine Jones and his reaction on heading to New York.

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