The OSC Interview: Richmond Raiders DL Devin Jones
by Fran Stuchbury
August 6, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders
OSC contributor Fran Stuchbury recently interviewed Richmond Raiders defensive lineman Devin Jones. Jones played his first season for the Raiders in the Professional Indoor Football League. Jones recorded a league record 12.5 sacks and was named PIFL Defensive Player and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Fran Stuchbury: How did you end up playing for the Richmond Raiders?
Devin Jones: Richmond Raiders head coach James Fuller watched my college film on YouTube. He then got in touch with my agent Charles Warner, and we then communicated and I became a Raider from there.
FS: How did like dealing with Raiders head coach James Fuller? Did it help you he is a defensive-minded coach?
DJ: Coach Fuller is a great coach, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He does a great job of preparing us each week.
FS: What adjustments did you have to make playing indoor football compared to college football?
DJ: I would have to say my get-off had to be faster than outdoor because quarterbacks are taught to get rid of the ball quickly in this league.
FS: You played college football at Mississippi State and played in three bowl games: two Gator Bowls and a Music City Bowl. How was the experience of the four years you spent at school?
DJ: It was a privilege to go to a university that encouraged each student to work hard and do their best. Head Football Coach Dan Mullen was a great coach. I liked his philosophy and relentless effort.
I also had some of the best teammates and coaches a student athlete could be around. I made a lot of friends there and am still close to those people today.
FS: In the final game you played at Mississippi State, the Gator Bowl in 2013 against Northwestern, several sites had a picture of you hugging an assistant coach. Who was that? Also was your last game very emotional for you?
DJ: Yes, that was my head strength and conditioning coach Matt Balis. I have the utmost respect for him, because he always encouraged me and my teammates to train like champions. He made everything we did competitive and motivating. So after the loss to Northwestern he hugged me and thanked me for all the effort I put into our program.
FS: How have you liked dealing with the Raiders fans this season? Did you like the nickname they came up for you, "Sacman?"
DJ: Yes, I really enjoyed being around our fans. Richmond has some of the best fans in the league. I'm very thankful for all the support they gave us each week. I really like the name "Sacman;" hopefully it sticks for a long time.
FS: Your final game of the season your team lost to the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks 51-41. A win would have put your team in the playoffs. How disappointing of a loss was that?
DJ: Lehigh Valley was a great team, but the loss to them was really tough. Losing a big-time game like that was disappointing. But the only thing we can do is learn from it. In the future that game is something to use as motivation to get better.
FS: How much of an honor was it to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year?
DJ: It is a great honor to receive both rookie and player of the year in the same season. I'm thankful for all my teammates that encouraged me to keep working hard everyday.
FS: When you were younger did you have any NFL players that played defense that you looked up to?
DJ: I was a big Ray Lewis fan. His standards when it came to playing football where outstanding. He played football with an unbelievable effort to be great.
FS: If you don't move up to a higher football league next season. Would you like to return to the Raiders?
DJ: Yes, Richmond is a great team in a great city so I would return to Richmond.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from August 6, 2014
- The OSC Interview: Richmond Raiders DL Devin Jones - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Richmond Raiders DL Devin Jones - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Richmond Raiders DL Devin Jones - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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