He was supposed to be former Florida coach Dan Mullen’s guy, but I guess that is why we say former coach. Emory Jones could never find his footing after his big recruiting circuit. He would flash in sparring roles under starter Kyle Trask and then this past year with Anthony Richardson.
The former Under Armor High School All-American had plenty of college options coming out. After entering the transfer portal this offseason, he announced on May 5th that he was heading out west and going from Florida’s wet heat to Arizona’s dry heat. Donnie Druin reported that Jones committed to the Sun Devils with the understanding he would be the starter. Very quickly, we will know what he can be.
From Wobbly Ground to Strong Footing
Jones started his Florida career with a ton of promise, but it was gone by the end of it all. He would appear in 24 games during his first three seasons on the Gainesville campus but never have much of a meaningful role. It was often to be a change of pace at the position or come in for designed run plays. He never got to show his arm talent off until last year.
This past season, he attempted a career-high 364 passes and completed 64.7% of them. He also passed for 2,714 yards and found the endzone 21 times. It was the turnovers that made his job less than secure. Eventually, it was certain that he no longer had a chance with the new staff coming in with Billy Napier and what they saw from Anthony Richardson.
Now at Arizona State, Herm Edwards and his staff should have Jones in a position to boost his stock. This is a big year for both Jones and Edwards, both playing and coaching for their futures.
What You See When Watching Him
Mobility
As much as Jones impresses as a runner on designed run plays, it is his pocket mobility that is most impressive. He can be a bit quick to draw the trigger and run, but when the pocket collapses and he needs to extend a play, he is effortless in this area. Vision, patience, and awareness all play a big part in mobility, and he has that.
Arm Strength
His deep ball can be lacking, but that isn’t the end-all, be-all for having arm strength. His zip-on passes allow Jones to make it in tight windows between defenders, but it also takes weather elements out of play. He can nail the deep throws when he has a clean pocket and time to throw. When he is mobile or maneuvering around, it can be spotty.
Clean Mechanics
We have talked a ton about the mobility of Jones, and when someone is moving around, the first thing to go is their mechanics. For Jones, he always keeps himself squared, and his feet never get crazy. His feet stay under him, and he looks downfield. All of this, paired with a clean throwing motion, makes watching him throw a treat.
Summary
Jones had a ton of hype last offseason, and getting to be a shiny face out of the transfer portal may generate more of that. I think it will be smart to be cool on your approach and feelings on him until we see what he can be in the Arizona State offense. Dan Mullen was fired during the season and left him on the wobbly ground. The same could happen to Herm Edwards. We know the talent is there; it has been seen, and it is now time for him to build momentum with it.
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