Since leaving Stratford in 2022, it’s been quite the journey that has seen plenty of ups and downs for Dru Jones.
Jones just completed his third year as a walk-on for the West Texas A&M football team and in those three years has seen limited action on the field with that coming last fall.
That can be a mental challenge especially when you look at Jones high school resume. His senior season at Stratford, Jones helped lead the Elks to a UIL Class 2A Division II state championship. Jones, a dominant wide receiver and defensive back for the Elks, was an All-State selection as well as the District MVP.
At 6-foot, and 170-pounds his senior year, not many college teams were knocking on the door. Jones decided to take a walk-on role for the Buffs and though the challenges are there, he doesn’t regret his decision.
“I didn’t have a lot of offers minus a couple coming out of high school,” Jones said. “I have a son, Jordan, to take care of and West Texas A&M was close to home. I went on an unofficial visit to WT in high school and I loved it. This has been a great decision. It’s taught me a lot on and off the field and I get to continue to play football. It’s been a great fit for me.”
In a day of the transfer portal where many student-athletes quit or find another school for a better opportunity, that’s not Jones style. He made a commitment to WTAMU and wants to prove one way or another he belongs.
Former Stratford head coach and current Canyon offensive coordinator Matt Lovorn says that’s the work ethic Jones has always shown.
“I’m so proud of Dru,” Lovorn said. “We stay in touch quite a bit and he’ll come by the house when he can. I think he’s taken a lot from the Stratford culture we built and he’s sticking it out no matter how hard it is. It’s great to see him live out his dream and do well in the classroom. He’s getting an education and he’s making an impact on that football team.”
WTAMU football head coach Josh Lynn says Jones is the ultimate team guy and he doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Dru is a great young person,” Lynn said. “He’s got that blue-collar Texas Panhandle work ethic. He’s much stronger and takes his work in the weight room seriously. He has stuck it out and played a role on this team whether he thinks he has or not. I appreciate that. He’s always in the right place; he always makes the catch and his blocking skills are much better from when he first got here.”
Jones has taken his work seriously gaining 35 pounds of muscle now weighing in at 205 since high school. Jones shows up every day to practice and uses each day as a chance to get better. Jones goal now is to continue being a great teammate and get on the field to help his team anyway he can.
“It’s been hard at times,” Jones said. “Some days you wake up and question if you want to keep going, but my mindset is to always keep going. I love it here. I’ve gotten better in one way or another every semester. My confidence has grown, and I have something to prove every time I’m on the field. I’m grateful for every rep I get and I’m starting to get that feeling I had in high school. I always tell myself that my son needs someone to look up to. My younger brother and sister need a role model. I just want to help this team anyway I can and show people the passion we all have.”