Jones’s ability to flourish as a punt and kick returner continues to add to his worth since that combination is uncommon at this level. Jones is one of only three Hawkeyes in history to score on both a kickoff and a punt return. Iowa fans can be forgiven for having to feel envious of Purdue for luring Jones apart from Iowa City, particularly considering how much the Hawkeye receiving corps has missed him this season.
Jones’ flexibility and explosive strength elevate him to the top of the game. Jones can queue up anywhere around the field and also has the pace and track skills to create distinction on the outside or cause havoc from the slot. Jones has emerged as a deep threat downfield thanks to his excellent speed and body control.
Whether he intended it or not, Charlie Jones has created the Iowa-Purdue football rivalry quite interesting and presumably more ignited. Even in this day and age of the exchange gateway, where seemingly anything is possible, Jones’ decision to transfer from Iowa to Purdue as a sixth-year graduate student, and to do it so late in the process, is both strange as well as entirely unexpected.
Jones spoke with the media after Iowa’s final spring practice about how overjoyed he was to create what he had already achieved as a Hawkeye, including being named the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year last season.
Why Did Charlie Jones Leave Iowa?
Charlie Jones has finally explained his decision to transfer from Iowa to Purdue in June. And what he said was not surprising. He told GoldandBlack.com, Purdue’s rivalry website, that it’s pretty simple and that he went there for the offense. Purdue has demonstrated in recent years that being a receiver in this type of offense means a lot of opportunities. There’s been supposition, and some people have claimed that Jones transferred since he desired to play his final season of college football in a more fruitful passing offense that would better highlight his receiving skills.
Jones, a sixth-year senior receiver and return expert, grew up in the Chicago suburbs with Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell and played youth football together. He and Aiden also grew up and played little league together. Aiden has made big plays since they were in third grade. Jones stated that he came here looking for that type of connection. But it’s just the system. He claims he will be able to fit the skill sets he has in the system there.
For the majority of the last two decades, Iowa has been more successful than Purdue in football. Jones, on the other hand, only has one season left, so he’s thinking more in the short term and doing what he believes is in his best interests as a receiver.
This will inevitably create some tension, but Jones did meet with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and clarified his decision because Ferentz deserves that. After Jones had got to spend two seasons at Buffalo, Kirk Ferentz did give Jones the freedom to step on at Iowa, and after Jones proved himself, Kirk Ferentz put Jones on scholarship.
Some may accuse Jones of betraying Iowa, but Jones came to Iowa without a scholarship and had to prove himself on the field. Even with the portal, his decision to transfer from within the conference causes confusion and hostility because some may question Purdue’s tactics. However, Jones’ motivations are unknown until he speaks publicly about his decision. The news was first reported by the Purdue Rivals website on Friday, but Jones was not a part of it directly.
The success of Charlies Jones at Purdue raises the ultimate “what if” scenario for the Iowa coaching staff. Despite his success as a kick returner between 2020 and 21, Jones only appeared minimally as a wide receiver, averaging one catch for each game and totaling 323 receiving yards in 21 games.
Jones’ utilization and output have skyrocketed since transferring to Purdue. He has outperformed some of college football’s best corners, including Syracuse’s Garrett Williams and Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. Jones scored three touchdowns in a single game against Syracuse as he did in two full seasons at Iowa and has easily outperformed the entire Iowa wide receiver room so far in 2022.
