The future NFL star may well come from Quebec! At 23, Rohan Jones is his last year of eligibility in the NCAA with the University of Arkansas, and his goal is clear: playing in the largest football league in the world next season.
However, nothing predestined this young man to a career in football. Coming from a rich cultural mixing, a half -Quebec mother, half Trinidadian, and a Jamaican father, Jones first grew up with a round ball on his feet.
I was always the biggest, the strongest of my soccer team. It looks like I didn’t use my strengths in this sport. One day, passing a football field with my mother, I said to her: “Mom, I want to do that!”
This is how it all started, with the Vikings of Laval-Nord, before making its classes at the Jean-Eudes college, then at the André-Grasset college.
The border bet
The Pandemic of COVID-19 was a major turning point in its career. Determined to win a scholarship in the United States, Jones tried three times to cross the border.
I went with two Grasset teammates twice at different American borders, but they refused us because of the COVVID, he says. The next day, I tried alone, because I knew it was my only chance to have a scholarship. The third time was the right one.
Without this perseverance, I would not be there today.
Installed with distant family at New Jerseyhe then participated in several recruitment camps. It is ultimately the University of Maine which offered him an opportunity. He spent two seasons there, without great collective successes, but has accumulated a precious experience.
The team won only four games in two years, but I, a little guy from Quebec, I was just happy to be there.
Rohan Jones
Photo : Instagram Rohan Jones
Then, he chose to join the Montana State University, where his career has taken a new dimension. In 14 games, he captured 30 assists for 470 yards and 9 touched, with at least one caught in 13 games.
Rohan Jones in January 2025
Photo : Associated Press / Julio Cortez
I had a great year, we won 15 games in a row and we only lost in the national final. It was a heartbreaker. Several coaches and players left for the NFLand I felt that it was also the right time for me to go elsewhere.
Arkansas and NFL’s dream
Today, Rohan Jones is a member of Razorbacks of the University of Arkansas, in the Southeastern Conference (Sec), the most raised association in American university football. The Fayetteville stadium, with its 70,000 delirium spectators, offers a decor worthy of the big leagues.
Rohan Jones with the Razorbacks of the University of Arkansas
Photo : Instagram de Rohan Jones
It is an honor to be here. I am a few months old from a good season and maybe even closer to my dream : NFL.
Former receiver, Jones now occupies the position of close wing (tight end), a tailor -made role for its 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) and its 111 kg (245 lb).
It’s perfect for me. I am stronger than a classic receiver. I want to be a full player: block, catch, run … I want to help the team, no matter how.
He also observes the evolution of this position in the NFL.
Before, close wingers were mainly blockers. Today, guys like George Kittle et Travis Kelce are incredible offensive weapons. I love this challenge!
Travis Kelce (left), Kansas City chiefs
Photo : Associated Press / Matt Freed
Moreover, the offensive coordinator of RazorbacksBobby Petrino, is full of praise about him in a press release published by the team to announce the arrival of Jones.
Rohan has progressed enormously. He understands the game better than several other players I have led. He has attitude, determination and vision. I think he’s going to excel here
he said.
Besides the field, Jones can count on his family, on his spouse and on a very special friend, the Quebecer Benjamin St-Just, of Chargers of Los Angeleswhich he considers as a mentor.
Benjamin St-Just
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pierrick Pichette
It is an inspiration. He went through the same steps as me. We are a big football family in Quebec, and we want to see as much as possible to reach the NFL.
Jones also participated this summer in an event from the St-Just Foundation, in Laval, where he gave conferences to young people.
It’s important to give back, he said. I would have liked to have these kinds of secondary opportunities. Our dreams are closer than you think.
A last decisive season
The 2025 season will be the last of Rohan Jones in the NCAA before the draft of the NFL From 2026. And even if he keeps his feet on the ground, the excitement is palpable.
The video game EA Sports College Football 26
Photo : Instagram EA Sports
It is sure that the draft is in my head, but I try to stay focused. I have always had this mentality of working stronger than everyone
he says.
Until then, amateurs will be able to find him in video games EAÂ Sports College Football 26available from July 10.
It’s a childhood dream to be part of a video game! I grew up with Madden. And now, I’m part of a video game. It’s crazy!
launches the player laughing.
