Former HHS star signs free agent contract
By: Rudy Brandl
All Jared Jones wanted was an opportunity to show what he can do in the National Football League. The Philadelphia Eagles are giving him that chance.
Jones agreed to a free agent contract with the defending NFC champions Sunday night after he was not selected in the NFL Draft. The 2000 Hillsborough High graduate and former three-sport star didn’t expect to be drafted but was thrilled at being offered the chance to make a professional team as a wide receiver.
"It’s really hard to put into words," Jones said. "It’s something I’ve dreamed about for so long. I’m humbled, I’m blessed and I’m excited. I’m ready to go."
Jones begins his audition with the Eagles this afternoon in Philadelphia. He’s due to report for workouts at 3 p.m.
"They’re going to give me a shot," he said. "I’m just excited about the chance. Somebody is giving me a shot. That’s all I can ask for."
Jones posted good numbers at Syracuse University but played for a team that was up and down. He led the Orange with 43 receptions for 621 yards and three touchdowns last season. Jones knew the Eagles were interested after he put on a good show at Pro Day back in March. Still, he wasn’t convinced he’d get a contract offer.
"They called me last week and I knew they were interested," Jones said. "But there were still a lot of guys left on the board who didn’t get drafted. I had no idea if I was going to get a phone call or not."
Jones often wondered how his college football career at Syracuse could have been much more productive if he had the opportunity to play with a top-notch quarterback like Donovan McNabb. Jones took one step toward getting that chance after signing the free agent contract with the Eagles.
McNabb, the high-profile quarterback of the Eagles, put Syracuse in the national spotlight during his collegiate playing days, but that was before Jones donned the Orange uniform. Jones is hoping to join the Eagles as a wide receiver and start catching balls from his fellow Syracuse alumnus.
"It’s a beautiful thing," Jones said. "Any quarterback in the NFL is obviously good just to get to that level. You marvel at the chance to play with a guy like Donovan McNabb."
Jones said there are no guarantees, but the contract simply gives him the opportunity to make pre-season camp. If he makes the team, Jones will join fellow HHS graduates Shaun O’Hara, Ricky Proehl and Shawn Mayer in the NFL.
"They’re giving me a shot," Jones said. "It’s up to me to take it and run with it."