WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The most dangerous kick returner in the Big Ten a season ago, as well as a contributing wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball, transfer Charlie Jones was named to the 2022 Paul Hornung Award Watch List (July 28). The 2022 Preseason All-American landed on the watch list ahead of making his debut for Purdue Football this fall.
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in the memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung.
The reigning Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year, Jones made the move from Iowa to Purdue to provide a spark to the Boilermakers' return game and receiving corps. His 2021 campaign with the Hawkeyes featured 1,251 all-purpose yards, including 920 return yards (635 kick, 285 punt) to rank second in the nation. In a 33-23 win over Illinois, Jones took a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Along with being named the best returner in the Big Ten, Jones collected first team all-conference honors.
Jones caught 21 passes for 323 yards, averaging 15.4 yards per catch last season. Three of those receptions were in the end zone as he led Iowa in touchdown catches. Against Minnesota, Jones went over the century mark with 106 receiving yards to help the Hawkeyes secure the victory. His big game featured a 72-yard touchdown catch in the second half that put Iowa on top for good.
Jones and the Boilermakers kick off the 2022 season at home, hosting Penn State in a Thursday night matchup (Sept. 1). The Big Ten battle is slated to begin under the Ross-Ade Stadium lights at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in the memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung.
The reigning Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year, Jones made the move from Iowa to Purdue to provide a spark to the Boilermakers' return game and receiving corps. His 2021 campaign with the Hawkeyes featured 1,251 all-purpose yards, including 920 return yards (635 kick, 285 punt) to rank second in the nation. In a 33-23 win over Illinois, Jones took a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Along with being named the best returner in the Big Ten, Jones collected first team all-conference honors.
Jones caught 21 passes for 323 yards, averaging 15.4 yards per catch last season. Three of those receptions were in the end zone as he led Iowa in touchdown catches. Against Minnesota, Jones went over the century mark with 106 receiving yards to help the Hawkeyes secure the victory. His big game featured a 72-yard touchdown catch in the second half that put Iowa on top for good.
Jones and the Boilermakers kick off the 2022 season at home, hosting Penn State in a Thursday night matchup (Sept. 1). The Big Ten battle is slated to begin under the Ross-Ade Stadium lights at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.