Furman: Along with returning starting nose guard Justin Brown is considered a big key to Furman's potential defensive success this year due to the number of losses along the defensive front...projected to start at tackle. 2007 -- Saw action in 10 of 11 games, all in a reserve role...registered seven tackles, including three for-loss...had a pair of tackles at 11th-ranked Georgia Southern (24-22 win)...named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll. 2006 -- Earned playing time as a backup in all 12 games...totaled 10 tackles, including two for-loss, a sack, and a caused fumble...recorded a pair of tackles and a sack versus West Georgia (24-7 win)...also had two stops against Western Carolina (42-7 win) and Montana State in playoff action...credited with a forced fumble against The Citadel (23-17 win)...named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll. 2005 -- Saw limited action in five games...appeared poised to garner significantly more playing time in the second half of the season until sustaining a broken eye socket in a non-football related accident.

High School: 2005 graduate of Centennial (5A) High School...football coach was Mike Cloy...earned starts in 23 consecutive games as an offensive and defensive lineman...totaled 55 tackles and three pass deflections in 2004 en route to capturing Centennial's Best Defensive Lineman Award...also competed in track, specializing in the discus and shot put, and wrestling.

Personal: Full name is Richard Gibson Jones...son of Mary Trapp and Rick Jones...born July 24, 1987, in Tampa, Florida...has a sister, Alisha...individualized curriculum major.