In Focus: In School, On The Field, Jones Focused On The Details
December 24, 2015 | Football, General, Student-Athlete Academic Services
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
For everything Sidney Jones has done well this year, the first team All-Pac-12 cornerback still thinks about that one game when things didn't go according to plan.
“I had a game earlier I wasn't too pleased with,” the sophomore said.
It was back when Washington played Oregon. He “got scored on.” His performance didn't meet his expectations during the 26-20 loss.
“That whole week before wasn't my best week of preparation and I felt that for myself,” he said.
Jones didn't dwell on the disappointment of that loss. He used it as a reminder of the little things required to play cornerback at an elite level. He used that defeat as way to show himself that, during the season, there is little time to be comfortable, content or relaxed. He used that week as motivation.
He told himself, “That's never going to happen again.” So he went back to work.
“I just built from there,” he said.
Now, as the Huskies prepare for Saturday's matchup with Southern Miss in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, Jones has honored the promise he made to himself. He has helped anchor the Huskies' secondary, showcasing his skills alongside his young and talented teammates.
He has a simple explanation for his success. He focuses on the details, “the little stuff.”
“I just keep taking steps, having that rookie mindset to always get better,” he said.
In his second season as a starter, Jones finished the regular season tied for the conference lead in passes defended (13) and forced fumbles (three). He was third in interceptions (four), fourth in fumbles recovered (two).
He also scored a pair of defensive touchdowns.
Everything the soft-spoken corner does in practice and preparation helps him get ready for Saturdays on the “big stage.”
When Jones arrived at Washington, he wasn't the most highly touted member of his recruiting class. All he wanted was an opportunity.
“I wasn't expecting anything,” he said. “I was just coming in ready to compete, work and do whatever it takes for this team.”
Jones let defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake put the cornerback in a position to find success.
“The coaches see potential and the skill you have,” Jones said. “They'll put you where you need to be.”
He started 12 of Washington's 13 games as a true freshman, picking off a pair of passes against Arizona. This year, he has been even better.
“You appreciate it more, because you weren't expecting anything,” he said. “The hard work you put in, the time you put in, you've been doing this your whole life and it's something you dream of.”
Jones' dream, one that started on a football field, now extends into the classroom. A member of the CoSIDA District VIII Academic All-America first team, Jones made a commitment to his academic future, because “it's all becoming real.”
He admits that in high school, his grades weren't the best. So, when he started taking college courses, he decided to make a change.
“This is the real deal,” he said. “This is serious. It is setting up your life. You've got to make the most of it, make the most of your opportunities.
“I'm here right now trying to do that.”
He is thinking about majoring in sociology, but he is also intrigued by business. Now that fall quarter is over, his attention is focused on football and the bowl game. He has shifted his attention toward himself. He is critiquing his game so he can continue to get better.
He is also working to get faster and stronger, so his body can, “take more heat.” But, while he works to get better, he understands his success is fueled by those around him.
“We just feed off each other,” he said. “One person makes a play and everybody goes wild. We just try to have competition and be the best we can, so we can be known as one of the best DB corps in the nation.”
Washington's defensive backs are putting the finishing touches on an impressive season. But they aren't satisfied. Jones and his teammates have committed to the details, mastering the little things that will allow the group to become one of the nation's best.
“We have a lot of young talent,” Jones said. “We're starting to put that together.”
Players Mentioned
