Friday, May 15, 1998
By Dennis Oda, Star-BulletinDarrell Jones hadn't played football in nearly seven years,
but he's enjoying success in the Professional
Indoor Football League.
Jones catches eye
of the Hurricanes
The running back has been
By Al Chase
a pleasant surprise for Honolulu's
new indoor football team
Star-BulletinWATCHING someone shoot basketballs might seem like a strange way to recruit a football player.
But when Honolulu Hurricanes coach Kimo Akiona saw Darrell Jones shooting baskets at Makaha Gym, it convinced him to ask Jones if he was interested in trying out for the new Professional Indoor Football League team.
"The first time he asked, I told coach Kimo I wasn't interested. I thought I was too small to play," Jones said.
But Akiona was persistent and Jones finally agreed to give indoor football a shot.
Jones hadn't played football for nearly seven years, since he was a 129-pound running back at Sheridan High School in Denver.
Jones went to Arkansas State to play basketball, but left after two years and joined the Army, where he was assigned to Schofield Barracks.
When he showed up for the first Hurricanes practice, he didn't know anyone. However, after three years at Schofield Barracks, he considers himself a "local" on a team formed to give Hawaii players a chance to compete at a higher level.
The Hurricanes' coaching staff couldn't be happier. Jones has teamed with fullback Darren Bullock to give the team a potent running attack. Jones has scored six touchdowns in three league games.
He is quick to point out that he is bigger than in his high school days, packing 155 pounds on a 5-foot-7 frame.
"I'm a little surprised at what I've done," Jones said. "I love the game and know I could be better. I'm working at that."
Jones likes to take the short screen pass, hide behind the 6-foot, 220-pound Bullock and the Hurricane linemen and weave his way up field.
Jones has speed and quickness, but also credits good field vision for his success.
"Seeing the whole field is so important," Jones said. "Everyone comes at you with speed. Even the slowest guy can beat you to a spot."
Assistant offensive coordinator William Frederick says Jones "has a heart the size of Montana."
"He's very much a team player," Frederick said. "His biggest attribute is his head. He listens, is very coachable, a natural athlete."
The Hurricanes (1-2), still looking for their first home victory, host the Madison (Wis.) Mad Dogs tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Blaisdell Arena.
Jones, who works as a security officer, said it doesn't matter who the Hurricanes are playing.
"They're all the same to me," he said. "I'd rather not even look at the film. I'd rather just play. I don't have to stop them, they have to stop me. I know what I can do. I don't worry about what they do."
Players are paid, but Jones says he plays for the love of the game, the hype and the contact.
"Not many guys get a chance to do that," he said.
TICKET SPECIALS: In honor of Military Week, military personnel will receive a $3 discount on $10 tickets for tomorrow's game. A $2 discount on $10 tickets is available to all other fans.
Big time
Although only 5-foot-7, 155 pounds, Honolulu running back Darrell Jones is fourth in rushing yardage and scoring in the Professional Indoor Football League. His statistics this season:
Rushes 26
