By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
EDINBURG, TX—Kian Jones was added to an expanding list of former San Benito Greyhounds football players who are suiting up for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros.
Jones, 18, graduated from San Benito High School (SBHS) a few months ago and is now getting the opportunity to enroll and possibly compete at the collegiate level, this time at a second-year Division 1 football program.
As a high school student-athlete, Jones outpaced many defenders who tried to stop him, whether as a pass catcher or sometimes out of the backfield.
The prospect of doing the same with far more talented athletes excites Jones.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity. It’s been a huge dream of mine to compete at the next level, especially at a place that’s close to home, which will give me more confidence in the support I have back in my hometown,” said Jones, who last competed in track and field in May.
SBHS football ended in November, and just two months later, he suited up with four other ‘Hounds to play in the annual East-West All-Star football game.
Jones stayed in top form, even though it’s been nine months since he last practiced and played for SBHS Head Coach Dan Gomez.
“I have been doing everything that has been needed to be able to compete right off — the jumping, running, lifting, and focusing on becoming more of a student of the game that is required for Division 1 football,” Jones said.
The Jones announcement was made by Vaqueros Head Coach Travis Bush on local news last week.
“He hasn’t stepped on the field yet; we just added him,” Coach Bush said. “We’re excited about him and about these local guys who can join. We’re fired up about getting him out here.”
Coach Bush said the Vaqueros were short on players to fill their 105-man roster leading up to August, so when the opportunity arose to offer the multi-sport, all-district athlete a spot, it was a logical move.
According to the UT-RGV website, Jones joins SBHS alums, including junior Fabian Garcia, senior Frank Medina, and freshman Luis Balli.
He echoed the same sentiments about SBHS athletes being well-prepared for collegiate ball.
“It’s been such a pleasure to be back on the same field as my old teammates,” Jones said. “They have told me it is all a process and a grind, just as I expected. It’s nothing new where we come from in San Benito.”
As it enters its second season, the Vaqueros have four San Benito players, which is more than any Rio Grande Valley city or school.
According to the program, other RGV athletes include freshman Cash Cazares (McAllen High), junior Jamal Polley (Edinburg Vela), freshman William Goodloe (Mission Pioneer), senior Anthony Santoscoy (PSJA High), junior Abram Garcia (La Joya Palmview), Christian Ayala (Monte Alto), Thomas Domian (McAllen Memorial), sophomore Claudio Torres (St. Joesph Academy), junior Jaxson Shupe (Edinburg Vela), and junior JJ Contreras (Los Fresnos).
Jones is one of 18 wideouts on the roster. There are also six tight ends.
Jones has a 6-foot, 170-pound frame. There are eight other wide receivers who are his height, five who are shorter, and four who tower more than six feet.
He will wear the number 38 jersey. He wore number 1 at SBHS.
“The jersey number was a mutual agreement,” an ever-humble Jones said. “In the (new) position I am in and the blessings I’ve been given, the only number I’ve been worried about is the date of the first game.”
The season opener against the University of Texas-Permian Basin Falcons on Saturday, Aug. 29, will be in front of the Vaqueros’ home crowd at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg. Game time is 7 p.m.
As of press time, Jones’ official UTRGV football biography has not yet been produced.
“Right now, everyone’s just focused on our week one opponents. What matters to me most is being there for my teammates and getting ready for the next day,” Jones said. “I’ve been familiar with some of the staff from their hosting of football camps and events, which led to my play and work ethic being noticed.”