Former South Point standout Deion Jones a leader for unbeaten North Carolina A&T

GREENSBORO-South Point alumnus Deion Jones is now in his senior season with the nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T Aggies football team.

And after four years on the college gridiron, Jones has discovered the secret to success.

“You have to outwork everybody,” said Jones, a 2014 South Point High School graduate who began his career at East Gaston. “On Saturday’s you have to have respect for the person or the time lining up against you, but at the same time, you have to have the attitude that you are better than them. When you have a whole team that thinks like that, great things happen.”

Great things have indeed happened for Jones and the Aggies during his career. A&T is in the midst of an Football Championship Series-best 15 game winning streak, have beaten a Football Bowl Series program three years in a row and won the 2017 HBCU national championship.

“I just hate to lose,” Jones said with a laugh. “I came from a winning program in high school and I brought that mentality with me here to A&T.”

Winning program might just be an understatement when describing how successful the Red Raiders were during Jones’ prep career there. From 2011-13, South Point compiled a 35-3 record with three straight Big South Conference titles.

Now Jones is taking that same approach to A&T.

“Every time I step on the field, I get to represent A&T State University,” he said. “It’s a blessing. This University has given so much to me, every time I can do my part to help win a game and bring respect to this place, it is a blessing.”

Jones has certainly contributed to the team throughout his career. Going into his senior season, Jones had garnered 157 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and eight pass break-ups all from his linebacker position.

Jones remains humble about his accomplishments, however.

“The stats are great,” he said. “But as long as we win, that’s all that matters right now. After the season’s over and that pro day gets a little closer, individual stats become more important. “

For now, Jones’ focus is on helping his team win and enjoying his time as an Aggie.

“It’s hard to believe I’m a senior,” Jones said. “Each Saturday is one of the last few I will get to step on the field as a college football player. It goes by so fast. I want to enjoy every moment.”

After graduating with a Journalism degree, Jones hopes to continue his football career in the NFL.

“That’s the dream,” he said. “I will probably have to move to a different position, so we will see. I’m going to give it my best shot b, but if I don’t make it, I will have my degree and the lessons I learned here at A&T in the classroom and about life in general.”

Jones offers thanks to those who have supported him throughout his career and also sends a message for anyone wishing to follow in his footsteps.

“Every moment in life, every opportunity you have is a blessing. Don’t waste it. Work hard to get where you want to go, but don’t forget your family and where you came from.”

Jones and the rest of his Aggie teammates return to the field on Saturday at home against Morgan State.