Player Spotlight: Barrett Jones

Story posted September 8, 2011 in CommRadio, Sports by Breanna Jacobs

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing in at 311 pounds, it is hard to miss Barrett Jones when he steps out onto the football field. Jones, a junior, is the University of Alabama’s starting right guard, and has proven to be one of the most explosive forces on Nick Saban’s offensive line.  

Jones made his debut with Alabama in 2008 as a freshman. He started three games but suffered a shoulder injury that would sideline him for the season. Jones was granted a medical redshirt.

Jones returned to the starting lineup healthy as a redshirt freshman in 2009. He started all 14 games at right guard, occasionally shifting to left tackle as needed.

The 2009 season was filled with achievement for the Alabama offensive line, and Jones was a big part of their success. The Crimson Tide had the 12th ranked rushing offense in the country, helping running back Mark Ingram have a tremendous season.  At one point, the line went 38 straight quarters without committing a holding penalty.

Jones was recognized nationally for his contributions to Alabama’s success. He earned first-team Freshman All-America honors and freshman All-SEC honors. He was also a second-team Academic All-American. More importantly, Jones and his Alabama teammates became national champions.

In 2010, Jones started eleven games for the Crimson Tide. Alabama was ranked 22nd in the nation in total offense, and five Alabama rushers had 100-yard games throughout the season. Injuries were a factor again, however, as Jones missed the last two games of the season with a high ankle sprain.

Jones, again, received a great deal of recognition during his sophomore season. Jones was a first team Academic All-American, as well as being a third-team AP All-American.

Jones was named a first-team All-SEC member and was also on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, an award presented to the best interior lineman in college football by the Football Writers Association of America. The award was ultimately given to offensive tackle Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin.

With two seasons of great achievements under his belt, Jones entered the 2011 season as Alabama’s most experienced offensive linemen.
After Alabama’s first game 48-7 win over Kent State on Sept. 3, Jones was named by head coach Nick Saban as one of the best players of the week. Jones played left tackle, left guard, and center during the game and did not allow any sacks.

Barrett Jones is one of the most intimidating forces on the Crimson Tide offense; he plays confidently. He blocks well and is able to effectively help his teammates gain rushing yards. Jones also rarely allows defenders access to the quarterback.

Besides being a confident player, Jones has shown a great amount of versatility throughout his time with Alabama. Being able to play multiple offensive positions has helped Jones immensely; he is able to play where he is needed, while also taking opposing defenses by surprise.

Jones will most likely continue playing multiple positions during the remainder of the 2011 season. It has proven to be an effective strategy for the Crimson Tide offense. Alabama will do their best to keep the Penn State defense on their toes when they travel to Happy Valley on Saturday, Sept. 10.


Breanna Jacobs is a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact her, e-mail: byj5032@psu.edu.