Alabama cornerback Cyrus Jones has always played with an edge to him, not letting a lack of size stop him from making a difference. The senior found himself in the record books prior to halftime in Alabama’s game against Charleston Southern. Jones became the first player in Crimson Tide history since 1944 to return two punts for touchdowns in one game.
His heroics began in the first quarter, when he returned a punt 43 yards to pay dirt. The ball had initially bounced off the foot of Alabama defensive back Maurice Smith. Jones, who shows awareness on the play, picks the ball up and follows a convoy of blockers in the end zone.
His efforts gave Alabama a 28-0 lead to end the first quarter. Jones returned in the third quarter with a 72-yard punt return for a score. He used his eyes to set up blocks, made some defenders miss and coasted to the end zone.
Jones totaled three tackles, all of which resulted in loss of yardage. He recorded a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, to pair with his 115 return yards and two touchdowns.
Jones and Alabama defeated Charleston Southern 56-6.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
