Malik Jones plays defense like he is entitled to the ball, and the receiver is just an obstacle in his way to his next interception. He deserves the much too often used term of ball hawk. Even when he is not intercepting the pass he’s attacking the ball on every play creating havoc in the secondary, effectively shutting down his assignment in the process.
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Malik Jones, the Athlete
Malik Jones entered college having played every offensive skill position, and multiple positions in the secondary. Coming out of Crystal Springs High School he had seen time at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety, and cornerback. In his senior season, the school unleashed his potential putting up 777 total yards, 23 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery.
He would stay close to home attending Northwest Mississippi Community College as a true freshman playing in 8 games he logged 6 tackles. He became more involved toward the end of the season. Heading into 2020 he transferred to Copiah-Lincoln Community College where he played in 3 games that season. He would primarily play wide receiver catching 6 passes for 88 yards and 1 touchdown, adding 3 kick returns for 93 yards.
The following year he was able to focus on playing defense and this led to a breakout season. He played in 9 games collecting 39 tackles, 3 for a loss, .5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 interceptions. This was enough to garner Division 2 offers when he ultimately chose Delta State. This was likely due to the potential of starting right away.
Playing in 23 games he managed 81 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 7 interceptions, 1 touchdown return, 20 pass breakups, and 1 blocked kick. This stretch put him on a path to chase a professional football career right out of college.
Professionally Career Begins
The Edmonton Elks showed immediate interest in Jones and offered him a contract before he ever participated in a pro day. Knowing where he stood coming out of Division 2, and JUCO, he took the contract betting on himself.
This meant he wasn’t able to perform in his school’s pro day, but instead gave himself a chance to show what he could do on the field in training camp. Ultimately this calculated gamble did not immediately pay off but that does not mean he made the wrong choice. He made valuable connections with the Elks and could at some point return to the team. Edmonton is not shy about taking chances on rookies, so it wouldn’t shock me at all to see the Elks call him back later this season.
UFL Showcases: A Second Chance at a First Impression
Given the way that Jones’ post-collegiate career has unfolded he consciously chose to forego a chance to perform at a pro day which could have helped raise his profile, instead taking a contract offer on the table. Normally in life when you pass on your chance to make a first impression you don’t get a second chance, that opportunity disappears.
For Jones, he will get an opportunity to perform in pro day/combine style drills at the UFL Showcases and put valuable scouting data on paper for teams to evaluate. He would not be the first player who was effectively a rookie to find NFL consideration if he lights it up at the showcases. LaColby Tucker once topped the charts in several categories at the XFL Showcases only to see Atlanta, who is very in tune with the alternative football leagues, give him a chance. Could Malik Jones, the 6’2 defensive back be the next?
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