Should We Give This Kid A Chance?

[Marty]

http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/99063464.html

[Harry]

If he is sincere about turning it around, yes.

[GrayEagle]

It depends on the kid. We definitely have one success story (Nwigwe) so it can be done. But what if Dodge is not the coach next year? Will the new coach be able to counsel the player and make sure that he does not slip again? If the young man is sincere and Dodge is still the coach, ya dern tootin!

[gangrene]

Yes, if he is interested in coming to UNT, I'd definitely be in favor of giving him a second chance. However, it's very doubtful he'd consider UNT, even in his current situation. D.J. Jones was the workhorse in the Denison HS football team in 2008 and 2009. He rushed for over 5,000 yards in 2 1/2 seasons and added an additional 600 yards receiving for a combined 75 TDs. If I recall correctly, he also had several punt and/or kick-off returns for TDs. He was rated 4 stars/5.8, ranked #27 RB in the nation and 48 best player in Texas by Rivals. In addition to his offer by A&M, he had offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Kansas, SMU and Texas Tech.

I really wish we could have signed his backfield companion, Denison HS QB Jordan Taylor, last year, but he signed with Rice. Taylor would have given us leverage for Jones.

I think it's funny how someone inevitably poses the question about every transfer and/or player that is kicked off a team in the fashion of would/should we accept this player - and no offense to you Marty - it's a legitimate question. I just think we're delusional to think we're in a position to turn away 4-star prospects because of misdemeanors and/or character flaws. We should be so lucky to have D.J. Jones want to come to UNT. Unless a kid has committed a felony, has a history of severe substance abuse and/or has serious personality flaws, I don't think there's any question that UNT should welcome any 5, 4, or even 3-star football prospects with open arms. Remember, these are 17 and 18 year old kids. They're going to make mistakes. We all have. God knows I've made my share. I just thank Him that none of my mistakes were too severe.

My parents went to Denison HS so I pay a good deal of attention to their football team. I saw D. J. play a few times and he is an awesome athlete. I can't speak to his character because I didn't follow the team closely enough to know all those details but he did seem to get along well with his team mates and coaches.

[EagleMBA]

I'm all for second chances and forgiveness. In my life I have personally known four people who were derelicts and eventually got their $hit together.

In the case of a football team, my opinion is that you have to be very careful or you risk poisoning the team chemistry. If you are blinded by talent, you may get the second coming of T. O. Or will the team be suspicious of one person every time something goes missing from an individual's locker?

I'm not saying...I'm just saying.

[UNT Mean Green]

You'd certainly like to know more details. I imagine Coach Dodge and Co. are evaluating what has happened. DJ will land somewhere for sure, and it could be in Denton. The kid(s) physical attributes are stout.

[DeepGreen]

Did UNT ever make an offer to him during the normal recruiting process?

[All About UNT]

Did UNT ever make an offer to him during the normal recruiting process?

I don't mean to bash the school...but that was probably not a realistic option considering where he was getting offers from...in combination with him being a 4 star.

[GrandGreen]

It seems that almost every fb division football or basketball player in Texas that wants or has to transfer is assumed good enough for ole NT. Any such player was good in High School but that does not mean he will be a success at the next level, no matter how many stars he received. Jones has done a great job in finding basketball players who can not only play but fit in. Unfortunately, the football program has not had that kind of success.

As far as criminal or character issues, each case has to be analysed. I think almost everyone is for giving people a second opportunity but no one wants to turn NT into a haven of malcontents or criminals. Personally I no not like the Troy model for success which is based on finding very good athletes with risks that most programs don't want to take.

D. J. Jones, may or may not be a good fit for NT. I would hope that NT at least evaluates his situation to determine if there is any mutual interest.

[VideoEagle]

It seems that almost every fb division football or basketball player in Texas that wants or has to transfer is assumed good enough for ole NT. Any such player was good in High School but that does not mean he will be a success at the next level, no matter how many stars he received. Jones has done a great job in finding basketball players who can not only play but fit in. Unfortunately, the football program has not had that kind of success.

As far as criminal or character issues, each case has to be analysed. I think almost everyone is for giving people a second opportunity but no one wants to turn NT into a haven of malcontents or criminals. Personally I no not like the Troy model for success which is based on finding very good athletes with risks that most programs don't want to take.

D. J. Jones, may or may not be a good fit for NT. I would hope that NT at least evaluates his situation to determine if there is any mutual interest.

Very well put.

[Baby Arm!]

Rumor on the interwebs is that Jones really wasnt fitting in at A&M and was homesick.

Denton is a lot closer to Dennison than College Station.

I'm not sayin, I'm just sayin....

[emmitt01]

I don't mean to bash the school...but that was probably not a realistic option considering where he was getting offers from...in combination with him being a 4 star.

Why wasn't it realistic? Do kids not choose schools because they are closer to home? Does NT not offer a wide array of undergraduate degree options, one of which might fit a kid perfectly? Is NT not a beautiful campus? We have PLENTY to sell.

Ever notice the phenomenon where a gorgeous girl is with a guy who seems out of her league? Sometimes it's because he....asked.

[eulessismore]

Why wasn't it realistic? Do kids not choose schools because they are closer to home? Does NT not offer a wide array of undergraduate degree options, one of which might fit a kid perfectly? Is NT not a beautiful campus? We have PLENTY to sell.

Ever notice the phenomenon where a gorgeous girl is with a guy who seems out of her league? Sometimes it's because he....asked.

If you never ask, you'll never know.

[NT03]

SMU offered him out of high school