Wingate University’s David Jones Drafted By New Orleans Saints In Fifth Round

Wingate, N.C. -- The Jefferson Quad area was wild with excitement Sunday afternoon when Wingate University students learned that David Jones was drafted in the fifth round (number 145 overall) of the NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. Jones is the first player to be drafted by an NFL team in Wingate history.

It was very clear in head coach Joe Reich's mind why David's success on and off the field allowed him to be chosen by the New Orleans Saints.

"Number one, I think David's physical make-up drew the Saints to him," Reich commented. The six foot, 200 pound cornerback certainly has the size and speed necessary to fit in at the next level. At his Pro Day workout at Wake Forest, Reich noted that David's 40 yard dash time was a little slower due to a bad start.

"He ran a 4.48 40 yard dash, but we had him running a 4.38 (at Wingate)," Reich said. Coach Reich believes that the scouts for the Saints saw this and realized the potential Jones possesses for the next level. "David's also a real attitude guy; he's always had an outstanding attitude during his time at Wingate University," Reich added.

Reich noticed a gathering interest in David Jones' potential during the practice drills leading up to his Hula Bowl performance in Hawaii. In fact, the scouts made the push for Jones to be a part of the Hula Bowl, Reich acknowledged. Apparently, David Jones did not disappoint. The New Orleans Saints were impressed enough with Jones to draft him in the fifth round ahead of notable players such as Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner.

Jones' hard work, along with his raw skills and impressive physical make-up, make him a perfect developmental player for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints look to revamp their pass defense as they have now brought in three cornerbacks (including Jones) during the off-season. Perhaps Jones is the next diamond-in-the-rough to be discovered by Saints head coach Sean Payton.

"We feel that David Jones has intriguing (qualities)," Payton said in a draft interview transcript released by the team Sunday afternoon. "David ran well and tested well. We felt like we had a smaller school player who had size and athleticism that played well on tape. Fortunately for us, we were able to see (David) in person and (he) ended up in a position for us to select (him).

As a former quarterback at Eastern Illinois University, Payton has a heart for players from smaller schools. "You don't read as much about these guys or hear as much about these guys, but David is a cornerback who will have a chance to compete," Payton noted. "We will tell David, 'You will have a chance to compete and make the team.' I think David understands (this fact)."

"This is David's day," Reich said. "I'm very happy for him." David's success was much more important to Reich than simply the impact (his spot in the draft) would have on Wingate University. Reich notes that Jones' drafting has created some visibility and positive exposure for the football team and the University.

Without a doubt, the selection of David Jones in the fifth round of the NFL Draft proves that not everyone who makes it into the professional level must come from a NCAA Division I football program.

No matter what happens to David Jones in the upcoming months, Wingate University is already extremely proud of his accomplishments as an athlete and a student. This ground-breaking day sets the standard of excellence a little higher for Wingate University football.

Jones was named to the 2006 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America Team by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Jones was also selected to play in the 2007 Hula Bowl. Jones was the first Bulldog to earn a spot in the Hula Bowl. He played for the East Team. In addition, Jones was named to the 2006 Daktronics All-Southeast Region football second team in November.

Jones started all 11 games at cornerback for Wingate in 2006. A first team All-South Atlantic Conference performer for the second year in a row, Jones recorded four interceptions in his senior campaign to bring his career total to 15. Jones also made 24 tackles (14 solo, 10 assists) in 2006 and knocked down 12 passes.

In a contest that pitted number 17 Newberry College and number 22 Wingate University on Oct. 21, Jones accounted for eight of the Bulldogs' 24 points on a 78-yard touchdown catch and a blocked punt for a safety.

Jones also made an impact on the offensive side of the football in 2006. He notched two receptions for two touchdowns, with an average of 62.5 yards per catch. The two receiving touchdowns in 2006, combined with his three interception returns for scores in his three previous seasons, give him a total of five visits to the end zone in his career.

In 2005, Jones intercepted five passes and made 37 tackles (30 solo, seven assists). Jones had 10 pass deflections and one forced fumble. Jones was a first team All-SAC selection following the 2005 campaign. He had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown in a big SAC win over Lenoir-Rhyne (Oct. 1, 2005). Jones was SAC Player of the Week twice in 2004 (Sept. 25, 2004 and Oct. 9, 2004). He led the Bulldogs with six interceptions and contributed 34 tackles as a sophomore in 2004.

(Wingate University sports information student assistant Drew Collier contributed this article. Drew Collier is a junior from Swedesboro, N.J. and a Sport Management major.)