Gannon University’s football season may have ended, but junior Marc Jones continues to shine in the football realm, and bring positive publicity to our football program.
Most people already know what I am talking about, but if you don’t, I have a couple of questions for you. What’s it like living under a rock? Are property taxes higher on igneous or sedimentary?
All joking aside, I realize it has been awhile since we have written about this and I apologize to Jones for that. However, I think everyone deserves an update on all things Marc Jones.
Let’s start with the more recent news: Jones was named the 2017 NCAA Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA) Football Offensive Player of the Year.
Jones marks his name in the history books yet again as the first Gannon Knight to be named region player of the year.
Now, let’s narrow it down to conference – the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Jones was named PSAC Western Division Offensive Player of the Year, and he was put on the roster for the All-PSAC first team.
Now to broaden it back out to a national scope, Jones has been named one of 10 finalists for the Harlon Hill Award, which is basically the Heisman Trophy of Division II.
Another familiar name in the PSAC that has also been named a finalist is Marcus Martin, a senior defensive end out of Slippery Rock.
National voting for the Harlon Hill winner will conclude Sunday, and the winner will be announced on Friday, Dec. 15.
Hopefully, Jones will be heading into the holidays with that trophy.
So how did Jones rise to this level of accomplishment and notoriety?
The 5-foot-11-inch, 225-pound running back was a force to be reckoned with, that’s how.
Statistically, he is currently the best running back in all of NCAA Division II schools in rushing yards with 2,176 and rushing touchdowns with 29.
Naturally, he also leads in rushing yards per game with 197.8.
Jones worked on his mobility and athleticism in the offseason to prepare for the 2017 season.
From my personal point of view, for what it’s worth, it worked. Jones was an absolute animal on the gridiron this year, and his stats prove it.
Unfortunately, I didn’t attend many games live, but I was able to catch some and watch them online.
He pulled off some pretty remarkable stunts out there on the field that made me wish the PSAC had a replay screen.
From leaping over the defense, to plowing through defensive lines and hyping up the crowd after a huge play, it was obvious that Jones was a key asset for the Knights.
As a fan, watching Jones was a spectacle of athleticism, strength and grace as he made other teams look like fools while he leaped over and ran through them.
I would like to congratulate Jones for a great season and his awards, and I wish him the best of luck with the Harlon Hill Trophy voting. You did a great job and deserve it.

BRANDON JACES
[email protected]