Ashton Jones is seventh on the team in tackles with 29 stops./Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News
Ashton Jones came into his senior year at Gannon with 17 total tackles in his two seasons there after a year at Erie Community College in New York.
This season, the Erie native and Strong Vincent High graduate has 18 solo tackles alone.
“It’s just reassurance that I’m able to play,” Jones said. “My number was called. So to go in and try to help the team out, I’m just doing my best to do whatever the team needs.”
The 5-10, 180-pound Jones has 29 total stops this season for the Knights (1-6, 0-4 PSAC West), who play No. 14-ranked California (Pa.) (6-1, 4-0) Saturday at noon for their homecoming game.
“He’s done it the long road and has earned it,” first-year Gannon coach Brad Rzyczycki said. “No one walked in and said, ‘Alright, here’s your position. I don’t care if you made a mistake or not.’ He’s done it through practice. He’s performed in games where he’s gotten better.
“…If there is anyone on this team that has earned playing time, Ashton has earned playing time.”
In his first start this season, Jones had a career-high 12 total stops in last week’s 38-29 loss to rival Mercyhurst.
