BELTON, Texas — Former University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football player Javicz Jones has been inducted into the Indoor Football League Hall of Fame. The former Cru standout was part of a three-member class inducted into the hall of fame during a ceremony at the league’s United Bowl over the weekend.
Jones played for the Iowa Barnstormers and Texas Revolution during his IFL career. He was the IFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 after leading the league with 148 tackles and adding two sacks, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. Jones was a three-time All-IFL selection and finished his career with 455 tackles, ranking third in league history in that category. He also played professionally in the Arena Football League and was invited to Houston Texas minicamp after finishing his UMHB playing career.
"First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for keeping me able to play this game," said Jones in an IFL release. "I'd also like to thank my family and friends, specifically my mom, dad and grandma for always being in my corner. They made some huge sacrifices to watch me over the years. The Hall of Fame means the world to me because it shows that all the hard work and sacrifice has really paid off. I wanted to make an impact where I was and most definitely be remembered as one of the greats."
Jones was a four-year letterman at linebacker for the Cru and he was named D3football.com National Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Jones was also an AFCA and D3football.com All-American and took D3football.com South Region Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior and a senior. The Katy Morton Ranch product led the Cru with 131 tackles and also set a school record with eight interceptions in 2012. He added 12.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, six pass break-ups and two blocked kicks while scoring four defensive touchdowns and a safety. Jones became the UMHB and American Southwest Conference record holder for career tackles during his senior season and finished his career as the leading active tackler in NCAA Division III. He was also a two-time ASC Defensive Player of the Year and three-time ASC All-Conference selection. He posted the three highest single-season tackle totals in Cru football history and also set a new ASC single-season tackle record during his career.
