Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jones was listed as the No. 9 athlete prospect in the class of 2010.[4] Jones committed to play college football at UCLA after considering an offer from Stanford and after receiving offers from LSU, Notre Dame, and USC.[5][6]
College career
Jones played in 11 games for the UCLA Bruins as a true freshman and rushed for 200 yards on 55 carries.[7] He played in 12 games in his sophomore season and rushed for 103 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries.[8] Jones rushed three times for ten yards in UCLA's season opener against Rice as a junior after having entered the season as the fourth running back on the Bruins' depth chart. Shortly after the game, Jones announced that he would be leaving the program and seek to transfer.[9] He initially intended to transfer to San Diego State, but ultimately decided to return to UCLA. Jones was not offered a scholarship when he returned and joined the team as a walk-on.[10] In his final season, he rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns while also catching three passes for 51 yards and one touchdown.[11]