Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Braden Jones ruled eligible to play football in 2005
08/17/2005 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 17, 2005
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Tuesday was an eventful day for Southern Illinois University football player Braden Jones.
During the team's afternoon practice, the tight end suffered a mild concussion from an on-field collision. After practice, head coach Jerry Kill pulled him aside and told the still groggy senior some good news - the NCAA has ruled him eligible to play in 2005.
"You could tell he was excited," Kill said. "Even though he was knocked a little cuckoo."
A transfer from Northwestern, Jones' career has seen its share of twists and turns. In 2001, he was injured in an altercation in Nashville, Tenn., with a football player from Vanderbilt. He was redshirted following the well-publicized incident.
Jones had a terrific freshman season in 2002 for the Wildcats, starting in nine games and finishing fourth on the team in tackles. He played well in 2003, also, making two starts and earning Academic All-Big Ten honors for the second year in a row.
The Harrisburg, Ill., native left Northwestern prior to the 2004 season and enrolled at SIU in the spring. His GPA at Southern is among the best on the team, and he has been warmly received by his teammates.
"When I told the team Braden was eligible, they all stood up and clapped," Kill said. "I think that tells you he fits into the team and the chemistry. It's very important to me to have good team chemistry. He really fits into our football culture."
Although Jones is classified as a senior in terms of eligibility, he could appeal for an additional year. Right now, though, Kill is just excited to start incorporating the 6-foot-4, 255-pound athlete into the game plan.
"He will help our football team without a doubt," Kill said. "He's played very well in camp. Now we can start to figure out how we're going to utilize him a little bit more."
Still suffering the lingering effects of the concussion, Jones did not practice Wednesday. Kill said the injury is not serious, and his status is day-to-day.
