ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 27, 1995 TAG: 9512270096
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
Thomas Jones, the most sought after running back in the state this season, said Tuesday he will attend the University of Virginia.
Jones rushed for more than 7,000 yards and scored 104 touchdowns in his career at Powell Valley High School, leading the Vikings to two straight Group A, Division 2 football championships.
``I liked UVa because it is a great school academically, and I really liked the environment,'' Jones said at a news conference in Big Stone Gap.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Jones chose Virginia over Notre Dame, North Carolina and Tennessee.
``The distance away really hurt Notre Dame,'' he said. ``Charlottesville is only four hours away from home, so my parents can see me play.''
Another factor in Jones' decision was a promise from the UVa coaching staff that he would not be redshirted his freshman year.
``Virginia is an up-and-coming program, and I wanted to be a part of it,'' Jones said. ``I've been told that I will be backing up Tiki [Barber] my first year, and he and the other guys seemed interested in my going there.''
Jones had 338 carries for 3,007 yards and 49 touchdowns this past season. He has met academic requirements set by the NCAA.
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB