TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson Sugar Skulls running back Mike Jones was named the Indoor Football League's Offensive Player of the Week, after he help lead the first year team to the postseason.
In a football league know for passing, it has been the Skulls ground game that has been key to a playoff berth.
Tucson's running game is second best in the league, and Jones is the IFL's top running back.
He averaged nearly 59.3 yards rushing per game, best in the league.
"I wouldn't have did it without them, my O Line," said Jones. "Those guys are great. They're the first ones here, last ones to leave. I love my O Line."
Jones was key in the regular season finale, rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns.
He is a big reason the Sugar Skulls are heading to the postseason, after they bought into what Head Coach Marcus Coleman had preached to them all season.
"Hard work we put in February from camp all the way until now, it's just a blessing to be here," said Jones. "A first year expansion team. It's just a great feeling. Hard work really pays off."
Jones is a rookie in the indoor game. Injuries cost him his senior season at Bethune-Cookman Univesrity, but it did not cost him his dream.
"Through the struggles, tough times, ups and downs, I love it. I love the process. I'm going to continue to follow it until I'm done playing. That dream is to get to the NFL. I'm going to continue to follow the dream, my goals and trust the process."
The next step in the process is a playoff game Sunday at Sioux Falls.
