One of the best and most telling drills at an all-star game is running backs versus linebackers. It’s a pass-protection drill that is mano y mano, with the best man winning in usually-decisive fashion. Most of the time in these all-star games, the linebackers are the ones who win more often as they get a running start at a running back awaiting their collision.
On Tuesday, Notre Dame running back Tony Jones showed that he was a force to be reckoned with. When defender after defender kept running at him full speed, Jones did a good job of stonewalling his opponent and protecting his quarterback. Jones is a hard-charging running back at 225 pounds, but during the last two days of practice, he has shown great ability as a pass-blocker and receiver out of the backfield.
These skills, in addition to what he can do as a runner, has certainly attracted the attention of NFL scouts – including scouts from the Broncos who have talked to him after practice here in Tampa.
