Defensive back AJ Highsmith and Defensive end Howard Jones may play two different positions, come from two different backgrounds and play on two very different teams, but they both played in the NFLPA Collegiate bowl for the same reason; to make it to the NFL.
Both AJ Highsmith and Howard Jones took a lot away from the experience and began to notice changes in their play.
“ The biggest thing was learning how to play with your eyes. That is one of the most important things.” Said Highsmith, “No matter how fast you are or how good of feet you have, if you don’t see the play and don’t see it develop you won’t be able to make any plays”
With five years under his belt at the University of Miami (Sophomore Redshirt), AJ Highsmith brings much experience with him on his journey to the NFL. Originally a quarterback, Highsmith made his transition too defensive back during his (redshirt) sophomore year. During his senior year at the U, Highsmith played in all 13 games and racked up 23 tackles, one sack, one INT and three PBU’s. He took the opportunity earlier this year of playing at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl under the leadership of Dick Vermeil. Highsmith hopes to use all he has learned to turn the heads of the NFL scouts in the coming months.
Joining Highsmith on the field was Howard “HoJo” Jones, who was just as excited to show off his skills in front of the scouts.
Howard Jones is a 6’3″, 238 lb. Senior defensive end who has played four seasons at Shepherd University, a small Division II school (less than 4,200 Undergrads) located in West Virginia. Jones primarily played at the defensive end position in college, but he understands that his combination of size and speed could best be utilized as a linebacker in the NFL.
“I hope to just learn a lot at the linebacker position. I played D end in college but I’m definitely gonna observe a lot and give my best effort [at the linebacker position."
Jones has a lot to prove out on the field as he comes from a smaller school, but he is more than ready to prove big things can come from small places. ”Yeah I’m from a smaller school, Division II, but I mean it’s still the same game of football. Who brings the best effort, who brings the most game and who brings the most tenacity or physicalness [should be successful].”
Jones was invite to participate in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Highsmith and Jones took a moment to interview each other for Pro Player Insiders:
