If you measure a player’s contribution by both skill level and versatility, then Dominic Jones is the Gopher football team’s most valuable player. After all, what else would you expect from “Mighty Mouse?”
Jones, a 5-foot-8, 190- pound sophomore, started the season as Minnesota’s strong safety. Trumaine Banks’ broken left arm sent Jones to cornerback after the Wisconsin game on October 14. Jones had started as a freshman at safety, impressing everyone with his hard tackling and desire to cover the field to make as many plays as possible. So how well did Jones adapt to cornerback? “He’s a better corner than he is a safety,” coach Glen Mason said Sunday on WCCO Radio.
Jones, who is a good fit for the “Mighty Mouse” tag because of his speed, strength and short stature, started seven games as a true freshman last season and also returned punts. This season he has clearly established himself as one of the team’s best players, covering receivers with skill and rocking ball carriers or receivers with tackles worthy of his nickname. As both a punt and kickoff return man, he ranked among the 2006 Big Ten Conference leaders in both categories.
Jones is so versatile Mason has said the former Columbus, Ohio high school star could excel as a running back for the Gophers.