In his senior season, safety Jalen Jones was a key factor in the Bulldogs’ fourth national championship run.
Growing up in Mattawan, Michigan, Jones began playing football at the age of eight, initially as a quarterback. With his dad’s help, who played football at Adrian College, Jones developed a passion for the sport.
Jones was a multi-sport athlete growing up, playing basketball up until his freshman year of high school, when he decided to focus on football since he had more success in the sport. On the court, Jones was an all-conference selection. On the football field, Jones was named to the Kalamazoo Gazette Football Dream Team, while also earning multiple varsity letters on the gridiron.
Jones discussed his journey and how he arrived in Big Rapids.
“I got offers from Division 3 and NAIA schools, but nothing more than that,” Jones said. “My cousin Xavier played at Ferris, and I wanted to follow him. I went to camps, didn’t get any offers, so I decided to walk on to the team to play with X [Xavier].”
Jones walked on at Ferris State with the intention of being a quarterback, being listed as an “athlete.” When he saw the Bulldogs had too many players at that position, he decided to change to the defensive side of the ball and play safety, thinking that would give him the best opportunity to get on the field and play.
In his freshman year at Ferris, which ended with a National Championship win, Jones played in 10 games and had four tackles, as well as one forced fumble. Jones’ best statistical season came during his junior year in the 2024 season, where he was responsible for 57 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack and five interceptions.
Jones started his senior season hot, getting two tackles, a sack and an interception in the 34-17 win at home against Pittsburg State. Unfortunately, an injury paused Jones’ season, returning for the 38-31 win against rival Grand Valley State, where he was responsible for two tackles, before sitting the rest of the regular season and returning for the playoff run.
Jones talked about watching the Bulldogs’ regular season run from the sidelines.
“It sucked being on the sidelines,” Jones said. “Going into the year, I felt as though I could get All-American. I split reps last year, and I definitely felt that this year was my year.”
Senior defensive lineman Sio Saipaia praised Jones’ leadership.
“Jalen is a leader on our team and sets a high standard with his performance and character,” Saipaia said. “He was always a voice that people listened to and respected. Jalen is also just a good person who always brings a positive atmosphere. He’s a friend and teammate that I couldn’t be more proud of through the adversity he faced and how he still was a strong leader through it all.”
Luckily, Jones was able to return for the Bulldogs’ playoff run. In the four games leading up to the National Championship, Jones logged 14 tackles, with four interceptions for 19 yards. In the National Championship game in McKinney, Texas, against Harding, Jones had three tackles and two tackles for loss, something he said felt that it was great to make game-changing plays in front of his friends and family, who made the trip down to Texas to watch him.
The next step for Jones is unclear. Jones might do a Pro Day, or he might go get surgery on his shoulder and foot. Whatever happens next, Jones is excited for the next opportunity.