Aaron Jones Will Enter the 2017 NFL Draft

UTEP's all time leading rusher Aaron Jones, who rushed for 4,114 yards and scored 41 touchdowns throughout his illustrious tenure with the Miners, declared in a press conference on New Year's Eve, that he will enter the 2017 NFL draft.  Jones broke John Harvey's rushing record this past season when he accumulated 1773 yards, and scored 17 TD's.  Harvey's record had stood since 1988.

The junior made his heartfelt announcement at the Larry K. Durham Center in front of an abundance of media, friends, family, coaches, fans and boosters.  Jones' agent Leigh Steinberg was also in attendance.  Steinberg is one of the most well known sports agents in the business, and has represented more than 300 professional athletes in a career that has amassed 41 years.  The 1996 film 'Jerry Maguie' was modeled after Steinberg's career, and he has represented the number 1 overall NFL draft pick a record eight times.

When I asked Steinberg about Aaron Jones and where his potential draft status will be he noted, "Jones is an exceptional back that can play a duel role which is crucial in the NFL today, he is fast, resilient and has an excellent work ethic, in this game it's all about your 40 yard dash time, and Jones has tremendous speed.  I could see Jones going as early as the third round of the draft."

Aaron Jones has been a true inspiration to countless El Pasoans, and is one of the most humble and polite individuals that you will ever meet.  It goes without saying that every one is pulling for him to have a successful career in the NFL.