Your donation will support the student journalists of Iowa City High School. For 2023, we are trying to update our video and photo studio, purchase new cameras and attend journalism conferences.
Jason Jones: Comeback Kid
Jason Jones comes back from injury to lead the Little Hawks' passing game.
September 23, 2015
The responsibility that comes with being a senior on the varsity football team is already serious. For Jason Jones ‘16, it is compounded by the fact that it’s his first season in which he is actually able to play.
“Being a senior, you have to be a lot tougher on yourself and everybody,” Jones said. “Everybody lives up to your expectations or standards, therefore your team can be good and you can be a good leader.”
Jones, a Little Hawk wide receiver, tore his meniscus during last year’s football season, forcing him to sit on the bench for the entirety of the year.
“This season feels special after I hurt my knee, and just being able to come back from it makes me feel happy,” Jones said. “This is the sport I love to play. I have built myself up a lot, just for this year.”
Before the Friday games, Jones can’t head to the field right away; he must get prepared for his opponent and surpass his fears.
“I have a fear of people that are bigger than me of and them hurting me. I get by thinking that no one is better than me, no matter how big they are,” Jones said. “I look forward to facing my opponent knowing what they do, what they like to do, and what I can do to give the crowd a show.”
Playing the position of wide receiver is more than just catching a ball and running to the end. Jones must connect with his team. When on the field, he examines the competition for an opponent that will give him a challenge.
“I look to see which players can guard me and make me work for what I get,” Jones said. “But the most important aspect as a receiver is getting a chemistry between me and the QB [so] he knows when to throw me the ball and where I like it.”
This is Jones’ last year at City High, and this is his last opportunity to show himself.
“It’s my last year of high school football, my last year being a Little Hawk, and my last year playing with my friends. I’ll never get the chance again,” Jones said.