TRUE BLUE DREAM COME TRUE

Sports fans in the tri-county area, and Whitley County fans in particular, are probably well aware of the name Cody Jones.  He’s the guy that led the Colonels to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the semifinals of the state championship tournament in 2008, racking up nearly 1,200 yards rushing and reaching the end zone 28 times along the way as a senior halfback.  He also recorded 131 tackles as a linebacker that year.  Not too shabby.

It should come as no surprise that a player of this magnitude would eventually end up playing in the nation’s premier football conference, the Southeastern Conference, as a member of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  Now a senior fullback at UK, Cody has seen action in six games, including wins over Jacksonville State in 2011, Samford in 2012, and he participated in the Wildcats’ big win against Miami of Ohio three weeks ago.

 “It was always a dream of mine to make it here,” said Jones when asked about how it feels to play for UK.  “I remember watching the games on TV when I was young.  Not many people get the opportunity to leave home and do something special like I have, and I’m very proud to call myself a Wildcat.”

When asked about what it’s like playing under first-year head coach Mark Stoops, Jones said, “I love his enthusiasm.  He is a great recruiter, and I believe that in a couple of years he’ll have this team nationally ranked again.”

   Even though Jones is now accustomed to the massive crowds that flock to Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington to see the Wildcats in action, he still has many fond memories of his time as a Whitley County Colonel.  “I definitely miss playing under the lights for Coach Black,” he said.  “Winning the regional championship in 2008 was huge.  I am still very proud of the fact that I was chosen as a captain that year, and that I had the opportunity to be a leader on that team.”

  As for Cody’s former coach, Jim Black had the following to say about his one-time star athlete, “He was one of the best players to ever come through Whitley County.  He had a great work ethic, and was a great leader.  He overcame some tough obstacles during his time here, showing character and resiliency.  He always knew where he wanted to be, and he’s worked extremely hard to get there."

Cody and the Wildcats will begin SEC play at home Saturday against the Florida Gators.  The game will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPNU.  Kickoff time is set for 7:00.

CODY JONES

– Four-year starter at Whitley County

– Two-year captain

– All-District/All-Region honors

– Tri-Co Player of the Year, 2008

– Starter, Border Bowl All-Star & East/West All-Star games

– Left WCHS the all-time record holder for points scored & touchdowns