Every star has their start and its often in college they’re Green Bay Packers’ star running back Aaron Jones stands among the NFL’s most dynamic players. Fans and analysts often ask about his path to professional football and his college background.
The talented athlete played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His roots run deep in El Paso, where he attended high school before becoming UTEP’s all-time leading rusher. This piece highlights Jones’ collegiate career, academic achievements, and the lasting effect he had on UTEP’s football program before joining the NFL. His story exemplifies how local talent can rise to national stardom.
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Aaron Jones’ Journey to UTEP
Aaron Jones grew up in a military family, and his journey to college football took shape through constant relocations and close family ties. His parents served as career non-commissioned officers in the US Army, which meant young Aaron lived in many places – Germany, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and finally El Paso, Texas.
Recruitment Process and Decision
Aaron had an outstanding senior year at Burges High School in El Paso. He scored 30 touchdowns and earned All-City and All-District honors. Yet his recruitment story took an unexpected turn. The University of New Mexico’s coaches planned a home visit but never showed up. Aaron’s mom had dinner ready that evening with no guests to serve it to.
His recruitment options included:
- Limited Division I offers
- Local interest from UTEP
- Original uncertainty about playing with his twin brother
Early Life in El Paso
Aaron’s connection with El Paso started in 2006. His father took him to watch “Glory Road,” a movie about UTEP’s (then Texas Western) historic basketball team. The city gave Aaron a unique experience with its strong Hispanic culture. He welcomed these changes and soon became part of the local community.
Why He Chose UTEP
Several factors led Aaron to pick UTEP. UTEP’s head coach Sean Kugler wanted both Aaron and his twin brother Alvin to join the Miners. This chance to play with his brother became a vital part of Aaron’s choice.
His family’s influence shaped his college decision. His parents showed steadfast dedication – his father attended every game, home and away, throughout Aaron’s college years. UTEP gave him a perfect chance to stay near family while chasing his football dreams.
The choice worked out well for everyone. Aaron made his mark right away as a freshman. He rushed for 811 yards and scored four touchdowns in just nine games. This performance set him up for what would become a record-breaking college career.
Record-Breaking College Career
Aaron Jones left an incredible legacy at UTEP as one of the greatest running backs in the school’s history. He broke multiple records that remain unbeaten today. His excellence and remarkable achievements made him a standout player in Conference USA.
Major Statistical Achievements
Jones ran his way into UTEP’s history books as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,114 yards. His career statistics tell the story of a versatile player:
- Career rushing yards: 4,114 yards (school record)
- Total touchdowns: 40 across 35 games
- All-purpose yards: 4,760 (second in school history)
- Career yards per game: 117.5
- Games with 100+ yards rushing: 17 (school record)
Notable Games and Performances
Jones saved his best for last with an unforgettable final collegiate game against North Texas. He rushed for 301 yards and scored four touchdowns, marking the second-highest single-game rushing total in UTEP’s history. His 2016 season was exceptional with a single-season rushing record of 1,773 yards, ranking fifth in Conference USA history.
Conference USA Impact
Jones’s talent reached far beyond UTEP. He ranked seventh on Conference USA’s all-time rushing list and earned multiple conference honors throughout his career. The 2016 season saw him dominate Conference USA in rushing yards and yards per game (147.8).
His sophomore year included six 100-yard games and six multiple-touchdown performances. Jones stepped up even more in his junior year and became one of just four FBS players to rush for 300 yards in a game during the 2016 season.
Jones wasn’t just a rushing threat. He caught passes for 646 yards and seven touchdowns during his career. This dual-threat ability made him a valuable asset to UTEP’s offense and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Academic Success at UTEP
Aaron Jones’ commitment to academic excellence at UTEP matched his athletic achievements and showed his dedication as a complete student-athlete. His trip through higher education builds on his family’s legacy of academic achievement and personal determination.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
Jones showed exceptional leadership skills beyond the football field and served as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative for three consecutive years. He represented UTEP at the Apple Conference and worked with other student-athletes nationwide to promote health and wellness initiatives. His dedication to both athletic and academic pursuits proved he knew how to manage multiple responsibilities.
Degree Program and Studies
Jones pursued a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies at UTEP, following his family’s tradition of academic excellence. His family’s academic achievements set a high standard:
- Parents Alvin Sr. and Vurgess hold master’s degrees
- Siblings (sister and two brothers) earned bachelor’s degrees
“Education is everything,” Jones emphasized. “You get that degree, it’s going to take you far. Football only lasts so long. No one can take that from you”.
Post-Graduate Accomplishments
At the time Jones declared for the NFL draft in 2016, he made a vital promise to his parents – he would complete his degree. He kept his word and graduated from UTEP on May 12, 2018, while playing for the Green Bay Packers. His father, Alvin Sr., expressed the importance of this achievement: “There’s no comparison, this is more important. One injury and he could never run the ball again. An education is limitless”.
The graduation became the most important milestone in Jones’ life, and he called it the “top highlight” of his trip. His dedication to education while pursuing an NFL career reflects his family’s values and his personal commitment to academic achievement. This accomplishment struck a chord with his parents, who had made education a priority throughout their children’s upbringing.
Jones’ academic success at UTEP inspires student-athletes and proves excellence in sports and studies can work together. His story expresses the value of keeping promises and pursuing academic goals even after achieving professional success.
Impact on UTEP Football Program
Aaron Jones changed UTEP’s football program from a regional competitor to a team that gained national recognition. His influence went way beyond the reach and influence of personal achievements. He reshaped the program’s identity and set new standards for future players.
Program Transformation
Jones’ record-breaking performances lifted UTEP’s visibility in college football. He became the program’s all-time leading rusher with 4,114 yards. This placed him seventh on the Conference USA all-time rushing list. His achievements include:
- Five of the school’s top 12 rushing games
- School record of 17 games with 100+ yards rushing
- Five games with 200+ yards rushing
- Single-season record of 1,773 yards in 2016
Team Leadership Role
Jones served as the life-blood of UTEP’s offense and showed leadership through consistent performance and dedication. His career numbers highlight his reliability with an impressive 117.5 yards per game average. He substantially boosted the team’s offensive success. His 4,760 career all-purpose yards proved him a versatile threat in rushing and receiving roles.
Lasting Legacy
Jones’ effect on UTEP’s football program lives on past his playing career. He maintains strong ties to El Paso through community involvement. “I want these kids to know I’m no different from them,” Jones has stated. “I’ve lived here, I’ve traveled the same streets, went to the same schools, the same grocery stores”.
His UTEP legacy goes beyond mere numbers. Jones became a symbol of local achievement and proved El Paso talent could compete at elite levels. “He came up with a way to take El Paso into the NFL and take a ride with him. Which is just an amazing thing”. His success story has inspired local athletes and changed UTEP’s recruiting story. The program showed it could develop NFL-caliber talent.
Jones grew from a fast freshman to “one of college football’s most complete running backs”. His growth at UTEP highlighted the program’s talent development skills and set new standards for future recruits. His records now serve as goals for future generations of Miners.
Jones helped establish UTEP as more than a regional program. The university showed it could compete with larger schools in developing professional talent. His success story continues to appeal to recruits and fans. He has become more than a former player – he’s the life-blood of UTEP football’s modern identity.
Path from UTEP to NFL
Aaron Jones set numerous records at UTEP before facing a significant transition from college star to NFL prospect. His professional football experience started with a key decision in December 2016. He submitted his name to an NFL committee to assess his draft potential.
Draft Preparation
The committee recommended Jones should return to school. He made a bold choice to enter the NFL draft anyway. His head coach Sean Kugler’s NFL connections and experience backed this decision. Jones trained intensively at EXOS San Diego to boost his combine metrics and draft stock.
At the NFL Combine, Jones’s athletic abilities shined through his impressive stats:
- His 37.5-inch Vertical Jump ranked second-best among running backs
- He clocked the second-fastest 3-Cone drill at 6.82 seconds
- He ran a 4.5-second 40-Yard Dash
- He finished in the top three in both 20-yard and 60-yard shuttles
Pro Day Performance
Representatives from 29 NFL teams came to UTEP’s Pro Day to watch Jones. His results stood out:
- He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 and 4.59 seconds
- His vertical jump reached 36.5 inches
- He matched his impressive combine numbers in other drills
NFL Scouting Reports
NFL scouts highlighted several strengths in Jones’s game:
- Vision and Agility: He excelled at finding holes and making lateral moves
- Versatility: He showed skills in both running and receiving roles
- Patience: He displayed exceptional timing when finding running lanes
The scouts raised some concerns:
- His frame size fell below NFL standards
- Questions about durability arose after he missed 10 games in 2015
- He needed to adjust from Conference USA competition to NFL level
Jones’s impressive UTEP career, with 4,114 career rushing yards, caught many NFL teams’ attention. The Green Bay Packers selected him in the fifth round (182nd overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. He became the 19th running back chosen that year.
The Packers’ selection opened a new chapter in Jones’s career. He signed his first NFL contract on May 5, 2017. His success at El Paso proved to be just the beginning of an exceptional professional career.
Where Did Aaron Jones Go To College Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Aaron Jones go to college?
Aaron Jones attended the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for his college education. He played football for the UTEP Miners and had an impressive career as a running back. During his time at UTEP, he showcased his talent and ability, which eventually led to his selection in the NFL Draft.
Where did Aaron start his college career?
Aaron Jones started his college career at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he played football for the UTEP Miners. He joined the team as a freshman and quickly made a name for himself with his remarkable skills and performance as a running back.
What middle school did Aaron Jones go to?
Aaron Jones attended Burges Middle School in El Paso, Texas. Growing up in the area, Jones was involved in sports from a young age, which helped shape his passion for football. His time at Burges Middle School laid the foundation for his future athletic career.
What GPA did Aaron Rodgers have?
Aaron Rodgers reportedly had a GPA of around 3.6 during his time at Butte Community College and later at the University of California, Berkeley. His academic success, combined with his football talent, contributed to his opportunity to play at the collegiate level and eventually the NFL.
What junior college did Aaron Rodgers go to?
Aaron Rodgers attended Butte Community College in Oroville, California, after initially not being recruited by a major university. At Butte, Rodgers played one season and impressed scouts with his performance, leading him to transfer to the University of California, Berkeley, to continue his football career.
Did Aaron Rodgers actually graduate from college?
Aaron Rodgers did not graduate from college. After playing two seasons at the University of California, Berkeley, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in 2005. While he did not finish his degree, his football career has been highly successful.
