Ashburn, Va.----The Washington Redskins have signed Wingate University All-American cornerback David Jones to a free agent contract. Jones (6-0, 197) was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. In five NFL seasons, he has played in 54 regular season games with 12 starts and recorded 75 tackles (60 solo), one interception, 10 passes defended, one fumble recovery and 13 special teams’ tackles.
 
In 2011, Jones played in the final five games of the season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with one solo tackle and four special teams tackles. Jones spent the 2011 preseason with the Jaguars before being placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Sept. 3, eventually being waived while designated as injured on Sept. 10. He re-signed as a free agent with the Jaguars on Dec. 3, 2011. Jones played in five of five 2007 pre-season games for the Saints before moving to the Bengals. He played three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before spending two campaigns with the Jaguars.

David Jones is the first Bulldog in the school’s senior college history to be selected in the NFL draft. He was named to the 2006 AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Jones was also selected to play in the 2007 Hula Bowl. Jones was the first Bulldog to earn a spot in the Hula Bowl. He played for the East Team. In addition, Jones was named to the 2006 Daktronics All-Southeast Region football second team in November.

Jones was named to the 2006 AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Jones was also selected to play in the 2007 Hula Bowl. Jones was the first Bulldog to earn a spot in the Hula Bowl. He played for the East Team. In addition, Jones was named to the 2006 Daktronics All-Southeast Region football second team in November.

Jones started all 11 games at cornerback for Wingate in 2006. A first team All-South Atlantic Conference performer for the second year in a row, Jones recorded four interceptions in his senior campaign to bring his career total to 15. Jones also made 24 tackles (14 solo, 10 assists) in 2006 and knocked down 12 passes.

Jones also made an impact on the offensive side of the football in 2006. He notched two receptions for two touchdowns, with an average of 62.5 yards per catch. The two receiving touchdowns in 2006, combined with his three interception returns for scores in his three previous seasons, give him a total of five visits to the end zone in his career.

In 2005, Jones intercepted five passes and made 37 tackles (30 solo, seven assists). Jones had 10 pass deflections and one forced fumble. Jones was a first team All-SAC selection following the 2005 campaign. He had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown in a big SAC win over Lenoir-Rhyne (Oct. 1, 2005). Jones was SAC Player of the Week twice in 2004 (Sept. 25, 2004 and Oct. 9, 2004). He led the Bulldogs with six interceptions and contributed 34 tackles as a sophomore in 2004.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Wingate University, ranked as the eighth “best value” in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves more than 2,500 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 34 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration, and doctorates in pharmacy and education. With a 14-to-1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past six years.
 
Wingate is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 50 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 59 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools. For more information, go to www.wingate.edu.