BALTIMORE, Maryland - Ravens’ fans will forever remember the catch that never happened. In the 2011 AFC Championship game, Lee Evans would fail to secure the go ahead touchdown that would’ve sent Baltimore to its second Super Bowl. The play not only capped the end of the Ravens’ season, but the short career of Evans in Baltimore as well.
The Ravens would release Evans a few months later, leaving a huge void at the slot receiver position. Baltimore would fill that void with the signing of speedy wide receiver Jacoby Jones. And while drops plagued Jones as much as his predecessor, Jones was determined to make the most of his second chance.
Jones came into college with the intention of running track. In 2002, he enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University with a track scholarship. But like many athletes with his speed, he was seen as a dangerous weapon on the football field. The following year, he transferred to Lane College.
At Lane College, Jones would succeed as one of the fasted receivers in college football. In his senior year, Jones was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Offensive Player of the Year. He would finish his career with 200 receptions, for 2,750 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Dragons would also use his speed on special teams as he ran in 4 touchdowns on kickoff returns.
The Houston Texans saw enough in Jones that they drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Though Jacoby Jones played Division II football in college, he showed he could still contribute early in his career. His most notable play came in his second year when he returned his first punt for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in 2009.
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