DeJuan Jones: Out Of His Shell And Into The Spotlight

If you're an East Lansing local, you've probably heard the name DeJuan Jones, whether it was during his early days as a Trojan or during his time as a Spartan.

From a young age, Jones fell in love, like many others, with the sport of soccer and that love continues grow stronger with each new season.

"When I was in kindergarten, my school had a team and there was a coach that asked my dad if he wanted to sign me up to play," Jones said. "I had such a fun time running around out there, kicking the ball, chasing after the ball and scoring goals. It was just a really fun time."

Many may know the success stories of Jones winning high school state championships or helping Michigan State to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament but the story everyone may not know is how he got to the position he is in today.

With his outstanding performances on the field, in the classroom and in the community, it may come as a surprise to know that Jones was not always one that enjoyed being in the spotlight.

"Growing up I was a really shy kid. People who would meet me for the first time thought I was extremely quiet. I would say I really broke out of my shell in eighth grade and I have been pretty outgoing ever since," Jones said.

With his new-found personality, confidence and voice, Jones transformed into the player and leader he is today.

"It has helped me be more assertive in my play and communicate information and encouragement to my teammates on the field," Jones said.

Breaking out of his shell was not the only thing that prepared Jones for the long journey ahead of him.

Being a part of East Lansing's back-to-back State Championship teams and also a member of the club team, TNT Dynamite, who was back-to-back State Cup Finalists, only prepared him more for his years at Michigan State.

"I played for one of the best clubs in the state, so just playing with some of the top players around the area, playing against some of the toughest competition in the region that definitely helped me get ready for the next level," Jones said.

For Jones, being close to home played a large role in his decision to come play for MSU, but there was much more that helped sway his choice.

"It's just a great program here at Michigan State. I fell in love with the coaching staff through the recruiting process," Jones said. "The campus is awesome, soccer's great, and as soon as I stepped on campus I felt that community that everyone talks about."

Being a starting forward Michigan State does not come easily and takes a lot of hard work and for Jones coming in as such a talent played did not mean a starting position.

Over the years, he has scrapped his way from the bottom in order to end up on the top, but his motivation and push never faded.

"It's what I expected of myself to be able to come in and make an immediate impact. I was ready for it, but I had to start from the bottom," Jones said. "In the very beginning I was one of the last guys on the depth chart. It was a cool experience to keep working my way up, never giving up and preserving through the trials of not playing and getting better."

With all his accomplishments, individually or as a team, has never been for selfish reasons. Jones, who is the MSU's captain this year, puts his team's success first in everything he does.

"Just the success of the team. This is my last year and we missed out on the regular Big Ten season championship. We still have the NCAA tournament so just grinding it out every day with these guys to hopefully win some trophies and make some history for Michigan State," Jones said.

With all that he has accomplished so far in his career, Jones is not done yet. With only a short few weeks left in the season, he is still looking ahead at what is to come for the Spartans.

The NCAA Tournament titles is what Jones has his sight set on and believes his team is capable of capturing it.

"Just through practice and analyzing film," Jones said. "It's like our last shot so we really have to put everything on the line and leave no stone unturned."

Leaving soccer in the rearview after graduation is not something he has ever thought of. Jones has set big goals and dreams for himself and he is willing to put his whole heart and soul into achieving them.

"After the NCAA championship game, and we win it all hopefully, I can just continue to train, get better as a player," Jones said. "I'll go out to the MLS Combine and just show everyone what I can do there then hopefully get drafted in January. That's the dream."

Players Mentioned

DeJuan Jones

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