2017 NFL Draft interview: UTEP RB Aaron Jones on his NFL expectations

The numbers jump out from your time at UTEP. How do you reflect back on all that you were able to accomplish there?

I loved UTEP. I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else. I had a great time there. I was able to put up some great numbers and even break some school records, which was my goal coming in as a freshman to break the rushing records and I was able to do that.

Were you aware you broke the all-time rushing record right when it happened?

I knew I was close but I wasn’t aware that I did it at that moment when it happened. People told me when I came onto the sideline.

Have you processed the fact that the chapter there at UTEP is closed?

I have. It’s crazy because it goes by so quick. It goes so much faster than you think. You blink your eyes and it’s already over. I’m going to miss it a lot. I’ll miss playing with my twin brother, but I’m very excited that I had the college career that I had and to have the chance to live out my dreams. It’s exciting now, this whole process.

You mentioned this process. Are you feeling other things as well?

Well, it’s all exciting for me because you never know what to expect. It’s all new to you. You’re trying to take it all in at once. It’s definitely something that I’ve had fun doing. I’ve continued to meet new people, meet new coaches, go new places. It’s something that’s very fun, especially meeting other athletes.

Have you made some friends as you and your peers go through this together?

Definitely. When I was out in San Diego at EXOS training, I was out there with some guys and we were competing and working hard, pushing each other every day. That was a lot of fun and definitely helped out and I’ve got some lifelong friends now through that.

For people who are new to you or who weren’t able to watch you at UTEP, what do you want them to know about what you have to bring to a team?

I’m an underdog. I have great playmaking ability. I can catch the ball well as a running back, and as I said, I have home run ability. I also love to compete. I’ll do whatever it takes to win.

You mentioned the home run ability. You’ve got several runs of 70-plus, 80-plus or even 90-plus yards. Do you think that will translate to the pro level?

Yes sir, just because at UTEP we ran a pro style offense and a lot of my runs came in between the tackles. I know that’s where they like to play in the NFL, between the tackles, so I feel that will definitely help me translate my game over.

How many teams have you been in touch with?

I’ve had a couple workouts and then teams were at the pro day and I met with some at the Combine as well.

Do you think you’ve talked to pretty much every team?

I’d say pretty much, like 29 of 32.

What are your expectations for draft weekend?

I’m hoping to go early fourth round but fourth to sixth is what I’m looking at for myself.