Re: Could Chad Jones start this year? Just how often do experienced teams end up starting a true freshman? Not very often.
It was widely reported that Miles moved him to the morning practice with the "varsity" for lack of a better term. Some people have questioned whether it was at least partially an attempt to keep Jones happy and persuade him not to sign with the Astros. I think that may be part of it, but if it is true I think it shows Miles is sharp. If Jones stays here he would play 2 sports and not redshirt anyway so there is no harm in expediting the process if he is that talented. He is certainly physically big and fast enough to warrant the move. Has anyone ever redshirted in one sport, for example, football and played baseball as a true freshman? Is that allowed?
Re: Could Chad Jones start this year? Jones won't start barring injury to others, but I think Laron Landry started as a freshman safety. Some positions like RB, WR are more likely to see true freshman play, but I like experienced DB's because a mental mistake can result in a touchdown very easily.
Re: Could Chad Jones start this year? If everyone else stays healthy I don't think he can start. He could probably start at Bama, Vandy, Ole Miss or Miss State, maybe even South Carolina. Starting at LSU would be tough.
I can't think of any worthwhile examples off of the top of my head, but I think that an injury that's "serious" in football could be considered less extreme in baseball, or other sports. But I don't think Jones redshirts. This guy will be too much of an athletic prowess on the field to give up. Even if he only plays special packages on D and on special teams, we could use him. I look forward to seeing what he does in baseball too though.
Re: Could Chad Jones start this year? Jones replacing Taylor? No. Jones is a SS, Taylor is playing FS. Jones replacing Steltz? No way. Steltz is one of the better SS out there. Could be one of the top 10 safeties in college football.:thumb:
Re: Could Chad Jones start this year? He definetly will not be redshirted. He will get his share of playing time this year behind Steltz but he will not start unless something bad happens. Miles just putting him with the old guys would not do a thing if the Astros give him what he wants. He is just that good. It is all up to the Astros on this one because he definetly wants to play baseball full-time.
It doesn't have to be an injury to redshirt. Many players redshirt by simply not playing a down. But it is a moot point. He'll see plenty of action in both football and baseball this year.
Re: Could Chad Jones start this year? Chad can play either position, but he can't beat out Taylor, Steltz, or McCray...maybe he can beat out Coleman, tough to tell at this point. As good as Laron was, he didn't start until midway through the season, and he had Daniels to contend with - a converted cornerback - while Jones has experienced NFL caliber safeties to contend with.
