Saints Rookie Profile: Marcel Jones

Marcel Jones, a.k.a. "FroDaddy"

Offensive Tackle, Nebraska #78, 6' 7" (6' 6") 320 lbs.

Scouting Report:

In the 7th round of the draft the New Orleans Saints select, "FroDaddy" Jones! And all of Who Dat Nation exclaimed, "WHO DAT?!?"

The reason he's not a household name is because he's seen limited action due to injuries. Well that, and he's a lineman. He suffered through an ankle injury at the end of the 2009 season which must have carried through 2010 because he missed the first 10 games of the next season. He played the entire 2011 season but must have played through the pain of a back and shoulder injury because several scouting reports mention he was recovering from them. It makes sense because he was a 2nd or 3rd round prospect on some draft boards that fell to the 7th round for the Saints.

Marcel Jones' best attribute is his size. He's so big he even has big hair! He's like a giant NFL-sized teddy bear because he's got a huge heart and body. There are differing reports on his height and weight though. Some report him as 6' 6" 315 lbs. while others say he's 6' 7" 320 lbs. Either way everything is big when it comes to Jones' even that big red flag over his injury reports which indicates he has durability issues. Drafting a player with a history of injuries is not a new concept for the Saints (i.e. Greg Romeus), and in the 7th round you're taking a chance on most players anyway which may just pay off (Marques Colston).

Most scouts think Jones has starter potential at the NFL level and commend him for his run blocking, but do not discount his ability to pass block. He has the size and the athletic ability, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record my main concern is his durability. The only reason I'm so worried about this is because the injuries have been piling up since high school. However the "experts" say we'll probably see him come into the rotation as a right tackle and as he gains experience he'll be able to transition to the left side of the line to protect the QBs blindside.

In my opinion, he needs some serious work with the strength and conditioning coach if he wants to enjoy a long career in the NFL. When your playing on the line, it's like being in a mosh pit full of Sumo wrestlers. If you think the line is not a skill position you are gravely mistaken because it requires a combination of balance, footwork, technique, power, and coordination. Try choreographing about 20-40 different ballets involving 300 lb. men while other 250-300 lb. men crash in on your tea party every 30-40 seconds for 60 minutes and you're body will appreciate some extra stretches and exercises.

My favorite part about Jones is his off the field action. He was involved in many different charities which tells me he should understand he's been blessed and will not squander his opportunity like some players. In fact many report that he should eventually grow into a strong starter for the Saints. It may not mean anything but he did post a marginal improvement from his combine and proday scores within a short period of time. Because of his big heart and broad smile I'm glad the Saints took a chance on "FroDaddy" and look forward to watching him on the field. I just hope I don't have to wait a whole season.

"In PayLoo We Trust!"

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
High School: Trevor Browne HS

At Nebraska: 3 years Varsity Squad

2011 (Senior)
Jones played in 12 games, including starts in all eight Big Ten contests and the Capital One Bowl. Jones' play at right tackle has helped Nebraska rank 15th nationally in rushing offense at 217.2 yards per game. The Huskers rushed for at least 200 yards seven times in 2011, including 300-yard efforts on the ground against Washington, Wyoming and a season-high 346 yards at Minnesota.

The offensive line also played a key role in wearing down the Ohio State defense in a school-record comeback win. The Huskers rushed for 232 yards and had 423 yards of total offense against the Buckeyes, including 195 second-half rushing yards.

2010 (Junior)
Jones did not play in the season's first 10 games, but saw action in each of the final four games at right tackle alternating with senior D.J. Jones.

2009 (Sophomore)
Jones started the first 11 games at right tackle, but suffered an ankle injury against Kansas State. The injury forced Jones to miss the Colorado, Texas and Arizona contests to end the season. Jones' play helped I-back Roy Helu Jr. post four 100-yard rushing days and put together a 1,000-yard rushing season. Jones also helped protect Nebraska quarterbacks, as the Huskers ranked among the top 40 nationally in sacks allowed.

2008 (Redshirt Freshman)
Jones emerged during spring practice and went on to play in all 13 games in 2008, including a start against Western Michigan. He helped Nebraska rank in the top 20 nationally in total and scoring offense. He also served on NU's PAT and field goal units. Jones redshirted in 2007.

2007 (Redshirt)
Jones sat out his first season as a redshirt and worked on the scout team, while adding muscle to his 6-7 frame.

Trevor Browne HS

Jones was part of an impressive group of prep standouts joining the NU program from the state of Arizona in 2007. Jones had an outstanding senior year on the offensive line for Coach Randy Ricedorff at Trevor Browne High School. Jones missed his junior year because of injury, but earned honorable-mention Arizona 5A all-state accolades as a senior. Jones was ranked among the top 15 prospects in Arizona by Rivals.com and Scout.com.

Jones was also a standout on the basketball court for Trevor Browne High School. He was the starting center for Browne, which went 27-3 and earned a top-five ranking in Class 5A. Jones averaged 11.6 points and nine rebounds per game as a senior. As a junior, he earned all-region honors for his performance on the hardwood. Jones was also a star in the classroom, ranking in the top 20 of his senior class of more than 500 students. Jones chose Nebraska over Arizona State.

Personal

Marcel is the son of Ulysses and Tracy Torry and was born on Sept. 4, 1988. He earned academic All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2011, after earning first-team academic All-Big 12 accolades in both 2008 and 2009. He was a six-time Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll selection. Jones was active in the community and was named to the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He volunteered his time with School is Cool Week, F Street Recreation Center, the Legacy Retirement Center, the Madonna Wheelchair Football Workshop and numerous hospital and elementary school visits.

Combine Results:

20 Yard Shuttle	5.12 seconds
3 Cone Drill	8.03 seconds
40 Yard Dash	5.68 seconds
Bench Press	13.0 reps
Broad Jump	95.0"
Vertical Jump	27.5"

Pro Day Results:

20 Yard Shuttle	4.97 seconds
3 Cone Drill	7.68 seconds
40 Yard Dash	5.52 seconds
Bench Press	DNP
Broad Jump	96.0"
Vertical Jump	DNP

Honors/Awards/Recognitions:

• Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten (2011)
• Academic All-Big Ten (2011)
• First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2008, 2009)
• Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (2007, 2008)
• Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
• Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2009, 2010, 2011)

Community Activities:

• School is Cool Week
• F Street Recreation Center
• Legacy Retirement Center
• Madonna Wheelchair Football Workshop
• Numerous hospital and elementary school visits

Jones' Career Numbers

Games Played - 40 (13 in 2008; 11 in 2009; 4 in 2010; 12 in 2011)
Games Started - 21 (1 in 2008; 11 in 2009; 9 in 2011)