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Dominic Jones breaks a tackle on his way for an 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Baldwin-Wallace Oct. 9.
By Ed Syguda
December 20, 2010
WESTERVILLE, OHIO— Defensive back Dominic Jones, a junior from Columbus (Brookhaven High School), was named to the D3football.com All-America first team as a defensive back and also as a return specialist.
“D.J. had a great year for us,” said Otterbein head football coach Joe Loth. “His leadership skills on and off the field are off the chart.”
Jones led Otterbein University in tackles for a loss with 13, including four pass sacks, this season. He finished second among teammates with 66 tackles. The junior also made two interceptions and broke up six passes.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Jones led the OAC in kick returns, averaging 31.1 yards, and ranked second in punt returns, averaging 8.4 yards a return. He finished second in NCAA Division III for kick returns.
"I think about all the trials and tribulations I have been through in my life and to bounce back after sitting out of football for three years and have the season I had is truly a blessing,” Jones said. "First and foremost I got to thank the man up above because without him none of this would be possible. I want to thank my family, Otterbein University, the coaching staff, and, most of all, my teammates.
"I'm humbled and excited about being named to the All-America team, but I'm not satisfied,” Jones continued. “I still believe I have room to improve and I look forward to an intense off- season training. I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for Division 3 football. It has been an overwhelming experience thus far and the passion that I've gained for the game is incredible."
The first D3football.com All-America team was awarded in 1999 and is, along with the American Football Coaches Association All-America team, the only ones recognized in the NCAA record book. Players are nominated by schools in November and December for the D3football.com All-Region team, and are then considered for the All-America teams.
The D3football.com All-America team honors 11 on offense and 11 on defense per team, plus three special-teamers, with four teams named, one of them honorable mention.
