Graduating senior reflects on career
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/20/2009
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Zach Jones is arguably one of the most consistent starters on Purdue’s football team.
The senior right tackle has started 35 consecutive games for the team in his four years at Purdue.
In high school, Jones was an all-state selection as a junior and senior before he was a walk-on for Purdue’s team.
“(The past four years) have gone really fast,” Jones said. “Coming in as a freshman I didn’t really know anybody and was getting thrown into something I wasn’t really ready for. Now I am more experienced and trying to enjoy myself more as a senior.”
Jones has formed a strong bond with many of his teammates.
“My favorite memory has been hanging out with all the guys on the team,” Jones said. “(I have) made a lot of good friends on this team.”
In 2007, Jones was a part of an offense that led the Big Ten in total offense with 435.9 yards per game. They were ranked 12th in the nation in passing offense with 307.2 yards per game.
Jones was awarded a scholarship at the end of training camp in 2008 and he started every game that season.
So far this year, Jones has started every game once again and helped the Boilermakers’ offense in total yards with an average of 397 yards per game. This makes Purdue fourth best in the Big Ten.
Also Jones has helped the offense become ranked second in the Big Ten in pass offense with an average of 259.8 yards per game.
Jones’ teammate, senior left guard Zach Reckman, started his career at the same time as Jones.
“He is a hard-working guy,” Reckman said. “He is always there for me.”
Jones will start his final game for Purdue against Indiana at 3 p.m. Saturday in Bloomington, Ind.