Sometimes there are situations where things just seem to make way too much sense. That seems to be the case here involving the Iowa Hawkeyes’ former wide receiver and return specialist [autotag]Charlie Jones[/autotag].
After an unexpected entry into the transfer portal last week, there are some reports coming out that Jones has found his new home. Hawkeye fans may want to close their eyes as it appears it could be with a familiar foe, the Purdue Boilermakers.
#Iowa WR Charlie Jones will be transferring to #Purdue, per sources. Hearing the move is NIL motivated. #Scoop #Big10
— ChiSportsScoops (@ChiScoops) May 31, 2022
According to Chi Sports Scoops, Jones is reportedly heading to Purdue. While there is speculation that this move could be related to the new name, image and likeness rules and a chance to receive compensation, that has not been verified yet.
If Purdue does happen to be Jones’ new home, there is the tie of fellow former Iowa wide receiver Tyrone Tracy who left the program after the 2021 season and relocated to West Lafayette, Ind. The pair spent the past two seasons together in the Iowa receiver room and could be a link for this landing spot.
The other speculation leading to Purdue stems from their receiver depth chart being depleted. Their top pass catcher from last year, David Bell, is now in the NFL. Along with that, Milton Wright, who was expected to be the top wideout, has been ruled academically ineligible for the 2022 season leading to his departure from the Boilermakers’ program.
Lastly, and entirely fair, Jones may see the writing on the wall for the Iowa offense. All signs point to Keagan Johnson, Arland Bruce IV, and Sam LaPorta spearheading the passing game.
Jones may simply be motivated by wanting to give himself the best opportunity to get playing time, plug a gap in a program that desperately needs a wide receiver, and better his chances to make the jump to the NFL. If that is the case, more power to Jones for doing what he feels is best for his career.
Jones leaves a gap in Iowa’s production both offensively and on special teams. With a punt return touchdown in 2020, a kickoff return touchdown last season, and three receiving touchdowns in 2021, his departure is notable.
As more news comes out on the landing spot of Jones, Hawkeye fans can only wait and see if Iowa will indeed be seeing him on Nov. 5.
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