Video presentation
Carl Jones was one of the most accomplished and dominant defensive players in the history of the Lions’ football program. His physical presence and tenacity on the playing field was felt by teammates and opponents alike from the fall seasons of 1982 through 1985.
After taking his last step off the football field 26 years ago, Jones entered the 2012 football season holding the program record for most tackles in Lions’ program history. His 284 career tackles has stood the test of time, a testament to his endurance and tenacity on the gridiron.
As a defensive tackle his rookie season, he stalked quarterbacks racking up eight sacks and made 38 tackles on the year. He followed that season up with 65 tackles and 11 sacks as a sophomore, earning New Jersey State College Football Conference First Team honors as a defensive tackle.
Jones repeated as a First Team all-conference selection as a junior with 73 tackles in 1984. After that season, he spoke with head coach Eric Hamilton about moving to the linebacker position for his senior campaign. He trimmed down to 230 pounds after spending the summer in Army ROTC camp and went on to have a spectacular season as a tri-captain.
He led the TSC defense with 108 tackles, seven sacks, and four fumble recoveries. In the process, Jones set the record for career tackles and was named to the all-conference First Team – this time as a linebacker. He was also selected to the All-East Coast Athletic Conference Division III Football Team.
To cap off his spectacular career, Jones enjoyed one of the greatest games in Lions’ program history during a 28-0 win over Ramapo College. On the defensive side of the ball, he made 16 tackles and intercepted two passes. But in the game’s final moments, Jones lined up in the offensive backfield. On the final offensive play of the season, Jones took the handoff, moved left and broke through several tackles en route to a 16-yard touchdown run. It was the lone carry of his career.
Jones was a committed student and athlete. He never missed a class while attending Trenton State College, nor did he ever miss a practice. His physical toughness was easy to notice on the football field, but his mental strength was a major component to his make-up and achievements on the gridiron. Jones refused to be outworked, and his persistence to be the best was paramount to his excellence.
In addition to his achievements on the football field, Jones was awarded the Arthur Schomberg Service Award by the E.O.F. program at the College, the Keith Waters Award for the Athletic and Academic Achievement by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and the Hammond Service Award.
Since graduating, Jones has worked for the state of New Jersey with incarcerated youth. It is a rewarding line of work that he describes as “feeling like he has never worked a day in his life.”
