North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]D.J. Jones[/autotag] made a pivotal move in his playing career, switching from offense to defense during the off-season.
Jones was recruited to UNC as a three-star running back for the class of 2020. Jones switched to a defensive back after playing his freshman, sophomore, and junior years as a running back to help the secondary.
UNC entered the season with one of the best running back rooms in the country while looking for new life in the secondary. Jones appeared in a video package produced by Go Heels, highlighting the position switch with Jones explaining his reasoning.
Originally recruited as a running back, D.J. Jones is now playing defense for the first time in his life.
No matter where he's playing for @UNCFootball, he has no doubt that this is where he's supposed to be. 🗣️🏈#GoHeels x #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/0zaMewSwCd
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) September 6, 2023
The change significantly boosted what North Carolina is looking to do this season, with defense being a huge focal point. Jones was a solid back for those three seasons with UNC, rushing for 442 yards on 97 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
The move has already shown to be successful, with Jones breaking up a touchdown pass in week one win over South Carolina.
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