Cash Jones spoke to the media Wednesday evening following practice. Jones has become a recent embodiment of the Georgia program, demonstrating that perseverance and persistence as a player, even a walk-on, pays dividends.
The running back from Brock, Texas joins the likes of Stetson Bennett, Dan Jackson, Jack Podlesny, and Mekhi Mews as recent walk-on Bulldogs who have earned significant playing time under Kirby Smart. In a day and age where the transfer portal has asserted its prominence in the NCAA, Coach Kirby Smart has managed to utilize his team’s depth, far more than grabbing quick fixes from the transfer portal. Jones is just another example of the Georgia standard, and his rise to relevance is becoming a common story in Athens.
Jones, as expected, fielded many questions regarding his experience as a walk-on. Dating back to his recruitment, Jones credited Dell McGee’s commitment to recruiting him as a pivotal factor that led to his pledge to UGA. Jones passed on a full scholarship to New Mexico State in order to become a Bulldog. The running back told reporters, “It’s definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I couldn’t be more blessed to be in this position.”
Jones, as most Georgia walk-ons who earn playing time tend to be, is a freak athlete. Jones told the media that he was a four sport athlete in high school, playing football, baseball, track, and basketball. When arriving at Georgia, Jones had a lean frame sitting at around 165 pounds. After multiple years within the Bulldog program, he has gained nearly 20 pounds, playing now at around 183 pounds.
With injuries still plaguing the Georgia running back room, Jones is set to remain a prominent figure in the Georgia rushing attack. Against South Carolina, Jones carried the ball just twice, but scored a vital fourth quarter touchdown, giving the Bulldogs a comfortable lead. Jones has an excellent opportunity this weekend against UAB to prove his worth, and expect the Bulldog back to use his exceptional skill set to cause problems for a weak Blazer defense.