09-23-2021, 04:22 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-03-2021, 09:05 AM by Crunk. Edited 6 times in total.)
Time flies for Swantavius Jones. It's approaching seven years ago that he was taken 1st overall by the Berlin Fire Salamanders, becoming the expansion team's first ever draft selection. In that time, he's helped them to an Ultimus appearance, become a three-time Pro Bowler and bagged a couple of nominations for CBotY. But for Swantavius, it's all passed in the blink of an eye.
'It's been a blast to be honest. I know I'm probably not making the Hall of Fame, and even if I end my career without a ring, it's been a hell of a lot of fun along the way.'
In what was a stacked rookie class, you'd be hard pressed to argue that Swantavius Jones has been the best cornerback from the S25 class, let alone all players, to make him worth the first overall pick. But for Jones, he's not interested in trying to justify his draft position.
'You'd have to ask the coaches if I've been worth the pick. I've worked hard for the team, taken care of a lot of the rookies. As long as I'm not considered a bust by the time I retire, I'm happy. I know I'm not the most hard working or talented player out there. You look at guys like Triplet, Ruschmann, Patterson. Their work rate is exceptional, and it's a hell of a hard job keeping up with their numbers. I'm just out here having fun!'
Through six games, Swantavius Jones is not looking on course to bag a fourth Pro Bowl. He's recorded just 6 PDs, a far cry from the 73 he racked up over the last two seasons. I half expected an angry response when I asked him if his best seasons are behind him.
'I dunno man. Maybe? I've been through a lot so far. I played quarterback and left tackle in college. I've been through surgeries to get me in the right shape. I'm just glad to see guys like Lenkins get their shot [Jones's teammate and fellow S25 CB Lenkins has racked up 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptionss, 11 PDs and a touchdown so far this season]. If him getting a Pro Bowl means my best years are in the past, that's ok.'
So where does Jones see his future in the ISFL? Coaching?
'Coaching's not my thing really. Too much work. I think I've got another couple of seasons left on the field after this one, then I'll head back home and take some rest. Who knows what the future holds? Some of my family wanna make it to the ISFL one day so maybe I'll go be their agent or something.'
I was intrigued to hear more about any other potential future stars from the Jones family.
'No man, it's the Swantavius family. Swantavius is the family name, it's the second name that's different.'
I was extremely confused by this, but I didn't want to interrupt.
'We've got my half brother Swantavius King. He's a quarterback like I used to be in school. He's heading into college now. Definitely think he can make it big. Swantavius Payne is an O lineman. He's a big boy. He's my cousin in his second year at UW. And Swantavius Long, my sister's kid, is a kicker. He's a few years younger but is super talented. Don't be surprised if any of those three make it in a few years' time!'
We can only hope that we'll be graced by another Swantavius in the ISFL one day.
'It's been a blast to be honest. I know I'm probably not making the Hall of Fame, and even if I end my career without a ring, it's been a hell of a lot of fun along the way.'
In what was a stacked rookie class, you'd be hard pressed to argue that Swantavius Jones has been the best cornerback from the S25 class, let alone all players, to make him worth the first overall pick. But for Jones, he's not interested in trying to justify his draft position.
'You'd have to ask the coaches if I've been worth the pick. I've worked hard for the team, taken care of a lot of the rookies. As long as I'm not considered a bust by the time I retire, I'm happy. I know I'm not the most hard working or talented player out there. You look at guys like Triplet, Ruschmann, Patterson. Their work rate is exceptional, and it's a hell of a hard job keeping up with their numbers. I'm just out here having fun!'
Through six games, Swantavius Jones is not looking on course to bag a fourth Pro Bowl. He's recorded just 6 PDs, a far cry from the 73 he racked up over the last two seasons. I half expected an angry response when I asked him if his best seasons are behind him.
'I dunno man. Maybe? I've been through a lot so far. I played quarterback and left tackle in college. I've been through surgeries to get me in the right shape. I'm just glad to see guys like Lenkins get their shot [Jones's teammate and fellow S25 CB Lenkins has racked up 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptionss, 11 PDs and a touchdown so far this season]. If him getting a Pro Bowl means my best years are in the past, that's ok.'
So where does Jones see his future in the ISFL? Coaching?
'Coaching's not my thing really. Too much work. I think I've got another couple of seasons left on the field after this one, then I'll head back home and take some rest. Who knows what the future holds? Some of my family wanna make it to the ISFL one day so maybe I'll go be their agent or something.'
I was intrigued to hear more about any other potential future stars from the Jones family.
'No man, it's the Swantavius family. Swantavius is the family name, it's the second name that's different.'
I was extremely confused by this, but I didn't want to interrupt.
'We've got my half brother Swantavius King. He's a quarterback like I used to be in school. He's heading into college now. Definitely think he can make it big. Swantavius Payne is an O lineman. He's a big boy. He's my cousin in his second year at UW. And Swantavius Long, my sister's kid, is a kicker. He's a few years younger but is super talented. Don't be surprised if any of those three make it in a few years' time!'
We can only hope that we'll be graced by another Swantavius in the ISFL one day.
