The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Nate Jones: Stepping up
09.16.2007 | Football
Throughout his career at Texas, Nate Jones has worked hard and waited his turn to become a major contributor to the Longhorns' offense. Coming into his senior season, he knew his time was upon him, and through three games, Jones has come through more than any receiver in Texas history.
After his seven catch performance against UCF, Jones set a UT record for most receptions through the first three games of a season with 24, a total that nearly matches his career numbers up to this point. And as anyone in the Longhorns program can tell you, it is no secret as to why he has performed so well this season.
"He's a senior, he's a leader, and he's worked so hard in the summer," said QB Colt McCoy. "He's been around the program, he knows the system and everything that's going on. He's had the ability to go out and show what he's made of and I feel like he's handled that really well."
Wide receivers coach Bobby Kennedy echoed those sentiments.
"The great thing about Nate's production is he's earned it," Kennedy said. "He's worked really hard in the off-season and in training camp. It's not a surprise to me that he's having the type of year he's having because he's worked hard at doing it."
Jones' success has come through taking advantage of every opportunity given to him, but he will be the first to say it is not he alone that can be credited with his success.
"When you have a great receiver on the opposite side of you that's getting double teamed, it leaves me one-on-one with linebackers and safeties," said Jones. "You have to beat one-on-one coverage. Coach Davis and Coach Kennedy tell us, 'If you see one-on-one, you've got to beat it.'"
"Nate has a good feel of where the holes are and where he needs to be," Kennedy said. "He studies (the defenses) really hard in film preparation during the week, and I think he and Colt have developed a good relationship in terms of knowing where he's going to be."
It is clear Jones has become one of the Longhorns biggest playmakers. There is no doubt among himself, his teammates or his coaches that he can deliver when his team needs him. After all, he's been preparing his whole career.
