FZN Senior DJ Jones used the NCAA official signing date of February 1st to sign with McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL. Jones will play football for the Bearcats. Jones has been a mainstay in the Panther line-up for the past three seasons. Starting as a linebacker as a sophomore, and then playing both linebacker and running back in each of the past two seasons. Jones was a key member of two conference championship teams, and a starter on the 2020 squad that advanced to the state semi-finals. The rugged Jones, averaged an impressive 8.2 yards per carry last season, while rushing for a total of 503 yards and six touchdowns. Jones also caught 13 passes for 194 yards and 3 scores. For his efforts, Jones was placed the GAC Central’s “All-Conference” team. A player that rarely left the field, Jones also excelled on special teams, returning one kick for a touchdown. Defensively, Jones recorded 20 tackles and one sack. In addition to being a member of the Panther football team, Jones also participated in track for FZN.
McKendree is an NCAA Division 2-member school, that participates in athletics as a member of the GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference). Last season the Bearcats finished the season with a 5 – 6 record. Jones chose McKendree because of its location and coaching staff. He plans to major in sports management