Chris Jones’ life has been moving at a whirlwind pace of late.
In the last three weeks, the senior defensive tackle for the Bowling Green Falcons has played in the
regular-season finale, sweated out the waiting for the Falcons’ bowl bid, and has been named the
Mid-American Conference defensive player of the year and a third-team All-American by the Associated
Press.
In addition he’s had to be a college student, finishing up his last two final exams for the semester on
Thursday, including one in a Spanish class.
It was also on Thursday that Jones learned he’s going to have to make more room for another individual
award.
The 6-foot-1, 293-pounder was named a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of
America. The FWAA only honors a first-team.
"It’s an extreme honor, honestly, to get the recognition,” Jones said. ”It’s not only the personal
recognition that I appreciate, but Bowling Green’s program is also getting the recognition with my name
out there and right beside it is Bowling Green State University.
"Having this as a goal of mine to be an All-American and to finally achieve it, it’s mind-blowing
almost,” Jones continued. ”I know how difficult it is, especially from what people call quote,
unquote, a mid-major conference. To see my name up there with the guys from Alabama, North Carolina,
Georgia, all those big schools in the SEC, it’s pretty cool.”
Jones ranks third nationally with 12.5 sacks and is tied for seventh with 19 tackles for loss, both
career-bests. Jones also has 41 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, five
quarterback hurries and a pass break-up this season.
"I was going to play my heart out every game, play as hard as I can, and do whatever I could to help
the team out,” Jones said.
Jones is part of a defensive unit that ranks seventh in the nation in total defense (289.7), seventh in
pass defense (173.0), ninth in scoring defense (15.8) and 15th in rush defense (116.7). The Falcons also
rank sixth on third downs (28.5 percent) and ninth in sacks (37.0).
Jones said for voters for the All-American teams to see the success the Falcons’ defense had this year,
also helped him earn his post-season honors.
In his career, Jones has started 37 straight contests and has 156 tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss, 28.0
sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one safety.
The Military Bowl game against San Jose State on Dec. 27 in Washington, D.C., will be his 44th career
start and his 50th career game for the Falcons.
BG’s last FWAA All-American was receiver Freddie Barnes in 2009.