Center of attention: Jones leading the way on OL
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University football head coach Chris Merritt made it very clear that he wanted to be the toughest team in the Northeast Conference to play against, be able to run the ball and stop the run.
Over the last two weeks, the Black and Gold have done just that. They've averaged 142 yards per game on the ground and have allowed just 99.5 yards per game. Bryant has won both games and takes that momentum into Saturday's game at nationally-ranked Central Connecticut.
Leading the way the last two weeks has been Bryant's offensive line, led by fifth-year senior Andrew Jones at center. Jones has played all but one game over the last three seasons and has been Bryant's starting center for the last 27 games.
When Jones and his linemen heard coach Merritt's plan for the season, they were chomping at the bit.
"When an offensive lineman envisions future games in their head, they don't picture themselves pass blocking," Jones said. "They dream about the ball being run up the middle while dominating the man in front of them. There is nothing better than pushing around our opponents linemen play after play."
Jones, fellow fifth-year senior Nolan Wilson, senior Kyle Mann, juniors Mike Andrejco and Finn Littlefield and freshman Henry Schrecengost have paved the way for Alfred Dorbor and Daniel Adeboboye to post career days in each of the last two games.
Dorbor rushed for 138 yards and a game-winning touchdown on 31 carries at Merrimack. Adeboboye followed with 145 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries last weekend against LIU Brooklyn. Prior to the Merrimack game, a Bryant running back hadn't posted 130+ yards on the ground since the 2015 season.
"We take a ton of pride in getting our running backs in open space," Jones said. "We've worked hard on perfecting our craft to allow our athletes to win at the second and third level."
Offensive line coach and offensive run game coordinator Steve Ciocci has dubbed his group "#5STRONG" this year and the group has bought in.
"This group is truly a family," Jones said. "From the fifth years down to the true freshmen, we all care about each other. No matter the situation I may be in, I know that these guys would have my back just like I would have theirs. This group of guys emulates what it means to be part of a team."
The Bulldogs will rely on #5STRONG to lead the way as they continue their quest for a league title. With only five games to go in the regular season, Jones knows that his time in the Black and Gold is winding down. He hopes to use his experience to not only help this year's team, but future teams.
"My knowledge of the game of football, of defenses and of everyone's responsibilities has grown a lot over the last few years," Jones said. "But, like the guys before me, it is my responsibility to pass down as much knowledge of the game as I can so that the players that come after me can be the best players they possibly can."
A native of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Jones earned his undergraduate degree last spring and will earn his MBA from Bryant this spring. He's a four-time NEC Academic Honor Roll selection will add a fifth to his name following this fall.
"Being able to further my education while still playing the game I love is something that I am super proud of," Jones said. "But I think my mom is even more proud of. My mom has taught me the importance of receiving and education that will stay with me forever. She has been preaching what our coaches have been telling us, it's about the next 40 years, not the next four."