three punt returns for 27 yards at Illinois, with a long of 18 yards . The 6-foot, 188-pound sixth-year senior was named Big Ten Conference Returner of the Year at the end of the 2021 season. Im excited to finally get those opportunities as a receiver, and help the team as much as I can, Jones said. . Iowa finished ranked 121st nationally in total offense last season, averaging just 303.7 yards per game, including 180.1 passing yards per game. He announced that he was returning to Iowa on . . . On the Hawkeyes spring practice depth chart, Jones was not listed as one of the top two options at wide receiver. Early life and high school [ edit] Jones grew up in Deerfield, Illinois and attended Deerfield High School. Austin Hanson, Pregame Editor. two kickoff returns for 30 yards and one punt return for 30 yards vs. Kentucky. And he hadnt done it here at Iowa. . . Obviously you're going to have days you're not doing as well as others but he takes that to heart and comes back even harder. saw action in 35-7 win at Minnesota, but had no statistics as offense rushed for 235 yards . Charlie Neibergall/Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. IOWA CITY, Iowa - Its one thing to work hard. Jones lacks the twitch to create consistent separation, and despite his size and ability to track the ball downfield, he isnt always great on contested catches. . . . Keep in mind 18 WRs finished with a time under the 4.5-second mark in 2022. . . Hawk Item Will take advantage of extra year and return for 2022 . . Im here to do that, too, and to compete and its kind of been working out.. We'll update this space as soon as Charlie Jones' results at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine are revealed. Purdue won 24-7. . He also returned 15 kickoffs for 289 yards, with a long of 43 yards. When they work out together, Jones will request certain punts to field - left, right, high, low - and Taylor delivers. Entering the 2020 season Jones was eligible to play but the four aforementioned receivers returned as well. . two receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown vs. Minnesota, including a 72-yard touchdown in the third quarter . But Jones was also listed as the backup behind Nico Ragaini at one of the receiver positions during spring practice. The loss of Charlie Jones leaves a major hole in Iowa's special teams, but his decision to enter the transfer portal also creates an opportunity for several intriguing young players to assume a . Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year . . "I think he has a great opportunity ahead of him to take strides and let the world know his name and I think he'll do it as a returner and a receiver. Charlie Jones - University of Iowa Athletics WR #16 Charlie Jones Height 5-11 Weight 184 lbs. Chloe Peterson, Assistant Sports Editor November 18, 2021. . Im really happy to be with these guys and go out with this great senior class. Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones puts his hands up to catch a pass during a football game between Iowa and Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. 40: 4.43 DOB: 10/29/1998 Hometown: Deerfield, IL . joined program as a walk-on in 2019 after attending University of Buffalo and sat out 2019 season as a transfer. His name is Charlie Jones, a senior wide receiver and punt returner. Jones was the Big Ten Conference Returner of the Year in 2022. "Charlie has done a phenomenal job," Tracy said. Jones is the only receiver with a touchdown catch so far this season, which . "It's pretty sweet.'' started at wide receiver in 27-22 win over Minnesota . All rights reserved. Jones amassed 506 punt and 635 kick return yards during his two-year career in the Black and Gold. At that time, they were 0-2 and that rout was the first of a six-game winning streak to end the season. It's not gone unnoticed his teammates expect a breakthrough season as well. He 684 total yards (395 receiving) in helping the Bulls reach a 10-4 record. But to do it when no one is watching? Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones hurdles over Illinois defensive back Christian Bobak during a football game between No. Hes really been a student of the game.. Justin Hayworth/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. saw action in 20-17 Citrus Bowl loss to #22 Kentucky as offense rushed for 173 yards and gained 384 yards total offense . . Even ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., found little wrong and offered a B-plus. 36 posts. "Not just in the weight room but on the field, every weekend on the JUGS machine.". Currently, he is line to secure one of their key receiver spots. Purdue, on the other hand, averaged nearly 350 passing yards per game last season as OConnell threw for 3,712 yards and 28 touchdowns. You know, theres still time to figure that out. Confidence in this sport is everything, Jones said. That perfectly fit his make-up. Later, Tyler Goodson runs it 71 yards to set up a short touchdown from. After two seasons at Buffalo and three at Iowa, the 5-11, 186-pound Jones had a break-out year for the Boilermakers when he led the country with 110 catches while clocking a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. Austin Hanson is the Pregame Editor at The Daily Iowan. I still havent made a decision yet on whether or not Im coming back, Jones said. When it comes to football, he's always been goal-oriented," Winiecki said. Charlie Jones needs to be a wakeup call for the Iowa Hawkeyes But I dont think anyone on this team saw that as a surprise.. two receptions for 20 yards vs. Purdue, along with 37 yards on two punt returns and 56 yards on two kickoff returns . Athlete. NFL Draft profile scouting report for Purdue WR Charlie Jones. [4] Jones said he "liked it at Buffalo" where he "got to learn a lot as a young player" but, after star players Tyree Jackson, Anthony Johnson and K. J. Osborn either declared for the NFL draft or transferred, Jones also entered the transfer portal. . Its pre-camp, so a lot of stuff can change, Wick said. As a result, many are interested to see how he tests at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Decided to transfer to Iowa prior to the 2019 season. . Hes still the same guy from a workload standpoint, with the same approach, so that part is refreshing, Woods said. Plus, Jones joins former Iowa receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr., who transferred to Purdue in December. . Riley Moss, Charlie Jones Earn B1G Individual Honors; 11 Hawkeyes Named Hes learned a lot in the last year, Jones said. He said hell pursue that opportunity by coming out here and trying to focus on one thing a day. Inside Charlie Jones' journey to a starting wide receiver role at Iowa He struggled to find a school to call home for most of his college career. The 24-year-old excels when given the ball in space on crossing routes and quick slants as a shifty pass-catcher capable of slipping through tackles. Try a week on us. Charlie Jones returning to Iowa in 2022 - Go Iowa Awesome Thats the trick moving forward.. Jones had previously elected to return to Iowa for a sixth season instead of entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Pat HartyFollow @PatHarty aiden o'connell, Charlie Jones, Jeff Brohm, Tyrone Tracy Jr. August 22, 2022. But I knew a way to get my foot in the door was special teams. . Iowa's Charlie Jones keeps family written on his arms as central The 6-foot, 188 pound redshirt senior was also named the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return. "First and foremost, Charlie is an incredible, insane worker," said LeVar Woods, Iowa's special teams coordinator. Iowa's Charlie Jones catches the line-drive punt and weaves his way into the end zone. . The past couple years theyve shown that being a receiver in this type of offense means a lot of opportunities.. saw action in 41-21 win at Penn State as offense gained 175 net rushing yards . He wears No. Tory is punting them, and Charlie is catching them.. In 2022, he was named as an All-American. Notre Dame should pursue this Big Ten award winner - Fighting Irish Wire (43%*), 74 . As a kickoff returner, he was one of only three players to average more than 25 yards on 25 or more returns. All rights reserved. Member of the Kinnick Stadium Media Wall of Fame. Charlie Jones explains why he transferred from Iowa to Purdue . . I put the time in and just worked on my craft. A season later, Jones wont be flying under the radar at Kinnick Stadium any more. . RELATED: Iowa football notebook | Petras taking second-team reps, Moss not ruling out another year, Well talk more specifically once the season is over, Ferentz said. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall), Purdue wide receiver Charlie Jones (15) runs in for a touchdown after a catch against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. . . Despite having good timed speed Jones probably won't be viewed as the kind of player to threaten to take the top of the defense. Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones (16) returns a punt with teammate Matt Hankins (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Im excited for this week.. Purdues offense is definitely different from Iowas, making it more receiver-friendly. He's the first skill player the Bengals have drafted since running back Chris Evans in the 2021 sixth round. Iowa also took a huge hit on special teams with Jones transferring to Purdue. Jones began his career at the University of Buffalo where he redshirted as a freshman. But it never came. Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time! Its pretty simple, I came here for the offense, Jones said to GoldandBlack.com, which is the Rivals site for Purdue. [1] He committed to play college football at Buffalo over offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, and Wyoming. Jones caught two passes for 106 yards.The Hawkeyes defeated the Gophers 27-22. Jones shuffled off to Buffalo, where he redshirted in 2017. See the best photos of WR Charlie Jones, the Bengals fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. . first-team All-Big Ten return specialist by league coaches and media . 2023 NFL Draft: Bengals Select WR Charlie Jones, Purdue Every time I went out there, every time I went back for a punt, I was trying to change the game, try to make a big play.. His hello world Kinnick moment came against Michigan State on Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall), Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones (16) celebrates touchdown with Iowa defensive lineman Logan Lee (85) and Iowa running back Ivory Kelly-Martin (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. Projections peg the Illinois native to post a 40-yard dash time around the 4.5-second mark, although it remains to be seen where he officially clocks in at. Adrian Kraus/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones has entered the transfer portal, per multiple reports. Since transferring from Buffalo, Charlie Jones has become a fixture among Iowa's wide receivers. . He returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter of the 49-7 victory. He previously played college football for the University at Buffalo and the University of Iowa. . I dont know about that, Moss said. Bengals have been DYING for a weapon in the return game for a while. Jones has already transferred once before. started at wide receiver in 17-12 win at Northwestern as offense gained 185 net rushing yards . (AP Photo/Michael Conroy), Iowa's Charlie Jones returns a punt during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. Hes here doing a thousand push-ups, a thousand sit-ups, hes catching balls and punts off the Jugs gun., Or you might catch him fielding punts off the foot of Tory Taylor, his roommate. also had seven punt returns for 18 yards . Charlie Jones officially measured 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds at the combine. Purdue won 24-7. He finished the campaign with 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns on a whopping 110 receptions. He hadnt returned punts since high school, but Woods saw Jones had potential to do just that. And though Wick was excited to see his name on the depth chart, he knows the circumstances are fluid and that depth charts can change in a hurry. . All rights reserved. Iowa ranked 109th in yards per game (180.1), 114th in yards per pass (6.2) and 113th in completion percentage (55.0). He ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and tested like an elite athlete during the pre-draft process. saw action in 35-21 win at Illinois at offense gained 424 yards total offense . He made a diving catch for me today and it was pretty nice.. Jones has come quite a long way both figuratively and literally on his journey to starting at Iowa, a college journey that began in 2017 over 750 miles away in Buffalo, New York. four punt returns for 33 yards at Maryland with a long of 15 and two kickoff returns for 53 yards with a long of 38 yards . Here are some notes and quotes from what looks to be a popular draft. Scott Dochterman, Iowa beat writer: The Hawkeyes are down to only three experienced receivers from an offense that struggled mightily through the air. started at wide receiver in 24-14 win over Colorado State . two punt returns for 39 yards against Nebraska, with a long of 31 yards . . . Not only do the Hawkeyes lose a valuable weapon, they lose him to a divisional rival that has beaten Iowa four of the last five years. saw action in 33-23 win over Illinois . handled all punt returns at Purdue, with three returns for 37 yards, and a long of 25 yards that led to Iowas first touchdown . (Rob Howe/HawkFanatic.com), 2023 HawkFanatic | Website Design and Development by, Incoming Iowa freshman wrestler Gabe Arnold wins national title at U.S. Open Championships, Iowa softball defeats Rutgers 9-6 for 30th win of season, Iowa baseball splits doubleheader at Penn State, Denver Broncos pick Iowa DB Riley Moss in third round, Sam LaPorta selected by Detroit Lions in second round of 2023 NFL draft, Charlie Jones explains why he transferred from Iowa to Purdue, Iowas 2023 NFL draft class stands out on and off field. . He played college football for Purdue University, and previously at the University at Buffalo and University of Iowa. named all-area team as kick return specialist . fourth-team All-Big Ten punt return specialists by Phil Steele . tied school record with 100-yard kickoff return touchdown vs. Illinois, totaling 144 yards on three returns . Reggie Roby Special Teams Award, specialist . . Sat out the 2019 . Jones was a standout throughout his timeDeerfield High School, not far from Chicago. He finished the season third in the Big Ten and 20th in the nation with an average of 44.1 yards per kick. Charlie Jones Emerging as Receiver - Sports Illustrated It might have been a surprise to everyone else, because no one knew who he was, Woods said. Here's everything you need to know about Jones' NFL combine performance, measurements and results. He was expected to play a key role for Iowa as a receiver and return specialist. Follow. Ex-Iowa wide receivers Charlie Jones, Tyrone Tracy Jr. have opportunity We have a really good mix in the wide receiver room. If we're going to be team that's serious about playing well then we need guys on our special teams. . He is expected to be a Day 3 pick. 16. Jones, from Deerfield, Ill., would have jumped at a scholarship offer from Iowa as a high school senior. But I just made sure that I kept focus. . He played several positions including cornerback, wide receiver and kick/punt returner. 2023 www.hawkcentral.com. Because of depth, Jones would still have to wait to make an impact at his position. With Charlie Jones Gone, Can Iowa Find an Answer at Return Man? third player in school history with both a kickoff return and punt return touchdown . Emotion should be running high when Iowa and Purdue square off on Nov. 5 in West Lafayette, Indiana. recorded 18 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns, with a long of 53 yards . At Iowas annual Kids Day scrimmage earlier this month, Jones started as one of the outside receiver positions opposite Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Nico Ragaini was the slot inside. . also had one solo tackle . . Runs effective crisp routes and does a great job of disguising them from DBs. . NFL Draft Profile: Charlie Jones, Wide Receiver, Purdue Boilermakers All rights reserved. To some, just earning the scholarship would be the end of the journeyproving youbelong in major college football. . In 2020, Jones became Iowa . To be here on this team is pretty wild.. Tracy, who grew up near Indianapolis, saw his role in the Iowa offense reduced substantially after he was passed on the depth chart midway through last season by then true freshman Keagan Johnson. . Charlie Jones from Deerfield High School was rated a After high school, Jones opted to join Buffalo. Jones considered entering the 2022 NFL Draft. I came here as a walk-on. I really want this. All rights reserved. . Senior wide receiver Charlie Jones entered the NCAA transfer portal on May 24. The next season, he made a significant contribution to a 10-4 team that reached the title game of the MAC Championship and played in the Dollar General Bowl. "[5], Jones joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a walk-on and sat out his first season at Iowa due to NCAA transfer rules. . . Was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a returner. Some days were better than others. . 2021 Started at wide receiver in 34-6 win over #17 Indiana for first career start . averaged 18.2 yards per pass reception and 6.2 yards per rushing attempt . Iowa football notebook: Charlie Jones goes out in style; Injury report (she/her/hers) But that year, he learned a valuable lesson. But the lifelong Hawkeye fan hasnt finalized his plans yet for the 2022 season. Verified. . Iowa football's Charlie Jones proving he's a multi-use weapon early So, I came here for that kind of connection. Charlie Jones - University of Iowa Athletics Everybody is coming out here for every practice and giving their all, full effort. . And Taylor is giving him an assist. averaged 25.3 yards on kick returns . "He had a great opportunity at Buffalo but I think it gave him a hunger for more," Winiecki said. He says 'Coach, I'm going to give Iowa a shot. He transferred to Iowa, where he played the last two seasons, hauling in 21 receptions for 323 yards (15.4 ypr) and three more scores last season. . Against Michigan State on Nov.7, Jones scored on a 56-yard punt return touchdown and had another return of 31 yards that led to another Iowa touchdown. And Jones will get a chance to reunite with star QB Aidan OConnell, a fellow suburban Chicago native whom he had played with on the area youth circuit while growing up. one reception for 12 yards at Northwestern to go with one rushing attempt for six yards . 2021 Honors Brett Greenwood Award . He returned one punt and one kick for touchdowns at Iowa. [12] After the season, Jones entered the NCAA transfer portal.[13]. . All rights reserved, MATTHEW PUTNEY/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Former Iowa Hawkeye Charlie Jones linked to Purdue as transfer - MSN three punt returns for five yards at PSU, with two returns negated by penalty . career-best three receptions for 44 yards at Maryland . Jones caught 21 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns in 2021. . . gained scholarship in December, 2020 after joining the program as a walk-on . Players Will be Tested 4 HRS Before Kickoff Franisdaman Oct 8, 2020 1 2 Next Franisdaman HR King Nov 3, 2012 65,859 79,560 113 Heaven, Iowa Oct 8, 2020 #1 And ISM wants to return punts!! (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus), Purdue wide receiver Charlie Jones makes a catch against Syracuse during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Jones finished the season with 18 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney), Iowa's Charlie Jones catches a touchdown pass as Iowa State's Datrone Young tries to defend in the second half during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. 3:04. . Jones, who graduated from Deerfield (IL . . 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All rights reserved. Nonetheless, he chose to transfer to Iowa where he felt "walk-ons traditionally get a fair chance. For just the second time in special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons' 21 NFL Drafts, the Bengals selected a punter in Michigan's Brad Robbins Saturday with their second pick in the sixth round and he's immediately the odds-on favorite to win the job Opening Day. He had the burning desire to prove himself at a higher level, and Iowa gave him that opportunity. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall), Purdue wide receiver Charlie Jones (15) runs in for a touchdown against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. "Reflective of his attitude but he just wanted to go help the team win and I think we're seeing that from a lot of our guys. (Rob Howe/HawkFanatic.com) Featured / Football / Uncategorized Iowa football notebook: Charlie Jones goes out in style; Injury report and more . . . Im still learning every day. Iowa needs to learn from this mistake, and move forward with the new era of college football. He redshirted in 2017 and in 2018 was a contributor both on offense and special teams. Longtime time state of Iowa sports journalist and author formerly of the Des Moines Register. . Charlie Jones began his collegiate career at Buffalo, with which he hauled in 18 receptions for 395 yards (21.9 ypr) and three touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2018. Charlie and Tory are always out here, Woods said. . Jones tracks the ball well downfield and consistently runs under long throws. . started at wide receiver in 30-7 win over Kent State as offense rushed for 206 yards and gained 418 yards total offense . When Man and Machine Become One: The Robotic Rise of Charlie Jones His production at Buffalo was limited but he was able to showcase his special teams value. His 37 targets ranked fourth and his 21 catches and 323 receiving yards were third among Iowa receivers. . "And there was no disrespect to Buffalo but he said 'I think I have the ability to get something closer to home and in the Big Ten.' . Thats called a coachs dream. Both teams are considered contenders in the West Division with Iowa the defending champion despite its offensive woes. Its gonna be very special to run out there and be able to hug my parents and itll be cool.. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones probably had a hint early on that a path to major college football might require a different route than it typically did for others. Fans are eagerly waiting to see Myles Murphy, DJ Turner II, Jordan Battle and the rest of the Bengals' picks suit up for the upcoming season. . 2023 The Cincinnati Bengals. Matt Fortuna, national college football reporter: This is a huge get for Purdue, which lost top receiver David Bell to the draft and looks like it might be without Milton Wright, who is reportedly academically ineligible and was in line to be the Boilermakers top target. Jones was the only player nationally to average more than seven yards on at least 30 punt returns. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). For the game, he returned five punts for 105 yards. I came out to practice every day and did as much as I could at receiver, Jones said.