El Paso star drafted to Packers
Burges, UTEP running back Aaron Jones will go to Green Bay after NFL Draft
By Reno Del Toro
From his time at Burges High School, to his first day at UTEP in 2013, running back Aaron Jones has worked day after day to achieve his dream, which finally came true this weekend.
On Saturday, Jones was the 182nd pick in the 2017 NFL draft to the Green Bay Packers. Jones who is UTEP’s leading rusher (4,114 yards) was excited for the process, but in reality he wanted just to play.
“It was crazy, exciting, anxiety – everything,” Jones said. “I just want to play football.”
Family, friends and the media surrounded Jones when the Packers called him to be their next running back. It’s the first time the Packers have drafted two running backs in the same draft since taking Alabama’s Eddie Lacy and UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin in 2013.
Jones was expected to fall in the 7th round of the draft, but turned some heads at the NFL combine by having the second best vertical jump, third best broad jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. The process has been a ride for Jones since he’s had several teams interested in recruiting him.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Jones said. “Teams are calling me, but I haven’t talked through the whole process. You think you’re going one place, then somebody else calls.”
His dream has been accomplished and Jones will take his first steps in the new part of his life.
“To Miner fans, I want to say thank you for all your support, supporting me since I was a freshman and still supporting me now,” Jones said. “The continued support that you all have given me has meant a lot. Thank you for everything. I love the city of El Paso.”
