Jones Signs with AFL's Cleveland Gladiators
Dominic Jones earned first-team All-America honors for the Cards in 2010.
Written by Adam Prescott
10/21/2011 4:08:00 PM
WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Former Otterbein University standout defensive back Dominic Jones (Columbus/Brookhaven) has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League.
Jones earned first team All-America, All-Region, and All-Ohio Athletic Conference as both a defensive back and return specialist in his lone season with the Cardinals in 2010.
“I’m just blessed to have another opportunity to play the game that I love,” Jones said. “Football is a privilege, and I’ve learned over the last two years that it’s not guaranteed. Any time you can strap on cleats and buckle up your helmet to compete is a good day. I can’t wait to get there and start going against the guy across from me.”
Jones tallied 66 tackles, including 13 for a loss, to go along with four sacks, six pass-breakups, and two interceptions last fall. In addition to his work as a defender, he finished second in NCAA Division III with a 31.1 yard kick-return average, tallying three touchdowns in the process.
“I am excited for DJ,” said Otterbein head coach Joe Loth. “He has the talent and work ethic to play football at the highest level.”
Jones played two seasons at the University of Minnesota before arriving at Otterbein. He led all Big Ten safeties with 92 tackles as a sophomore and also sat atop the conference in both punt and kick-return average.
“The Gladiators are an established organization and I already know a few guys on the team, so it’s a great situation,” Jones added. “I’m not going to give up on my dream to one day play in the NFL. It’s just a continuous grind to get where I want to be.”
The Gladiators open their season on March 12. Click
here to view the team’s website.