With last year’s ugly season in the behind him in the rear view mirror, Ronald Jones has been one of the more pleasant surprises at Bucs training camp.

Making big gaining plays such as in the videos above has happened often for him so far this camp. He looks as comfortable as he’s been in the NFL, and that started in the offseason.

Instead of sulking on how things didn’t go his way, Jones took to working even harder this offseason, adding 20 pounds to his weight and restoring his confidence.

“With the added weight I’m able to run in between the tackles more,” Jones said. “I just feel heavier, stronger, faster too a little bit. All those things go in there, and just being ahead of the playbook.”

Having one year under his belt has been a significant help coming into 2019, as he understands the look of NFL defense more than ever before. In the previous year, Jones would be hesitant in the backfield before hit the hole, but now he knows where the play is ending up and how he can react to it before the ball is even in his hands. It’s just part of learning through experience.

“My IQ of the game just went up in the offseason,” Jones said. “Just watching how defenses work and then trying to find my niche in the offense. Definitely just running with my eyes more instead of running just the play. Knowing the scheme and where they’re supposed to be hitting and making a cut off that.”

Another part of his game that was a question mark coming in was his hands. 

Bucs RB Ronald Jones II – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I think it’s coming,” Jones said.”There’s still a lot of work to do in terms of my routes and how I’m getting to my spots. Coach says as long as I’m in my spots, I’m good.”

Jones has been diligent in showing this coaching what he’s capable of doing. It’s put him in contention to both win the number two role, and also take some carries from Peyton Barber.

“I think it’s important to show the new staff that I can handle it and all that,” Jones said. “Just going out there and trying to make a name for myself. 

His work effort has been noticed by the likes of Jason Licht and Bruce Arians, and while the praise is nice, it’s not slowing Jones down for where he wants to be.

“It’s great,” Jones said. “That’s the head man and the head coach, so coming from them means a lot. It just shows my hard work paying off and I just gotta keep going from here. Only way to go is up.”