Heading into his rookie campaign, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Ronald Jones is hoping to make a significant impact in his first season in the league.
However, there has been one notable area that he has to work on to improve in his ability on the field as Bucs running backs coach Tim Spencer pointed out in a subtle manner, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.
Most telling thing for me in my chat with Bucs RBs coach Tim Spencer is when he said, “In college, there’s probably a reason they only threw to [Ronald Jones] 17 times.” They’re working at it though. https://t.co/BxNerv3aIt
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 21, 2018
Although it isn't the most encouraging way of motivating Jones, there is much truth to what he has voiced as the USC product made on 32 receptions over his three-year collegiate career that included just 14 catches in the 2017 season. The 21-year-old is a physically-gifted athlete behind his track-type speed, but that hasn't translated yet to him honing his skill set as a receiver out of the backfield. This is an area of his game that he will need to improve if he hopes to get significant playing time at the next level.
It is clear that he has the talent to become a star running back in the league, but there is needed improvement from him as a receiver to prove to the coaching staff that he can vie for the starting job over the likes of Peyton Barber this upcoming season. Barber has shown that he can be a factor in both aspects of the offense that has helped earn a steady role within the offensive game plan while being the frontrunner for the starting job.
This is an aspect of Jones' can improve by working on his craft in practice to become a better route runner out of the Bucs backfield that will open up more opportunities for him to make an impact on the game. It is now on his shoulders to demonstrate that he can work on that part of his skill set to be a factor on the field.
Follow Us
Subscribe