Josh Jones Named AFCA All-America and Invited to Play in Cactus Bowl

Only second Bison honored by the AFCA, joining Robert Towns from 2006

by Scott Goode

All-American Josh Jones will represent Harding at the Cactus Bowl.

SEARCY – Harding University senior defensive back Josh Jones was named to the American Football Coaches Association Division II All-America Team on Monday and was also invited to participate in the Cactus Bowl, the NCAA Division II All-Star Game played in Kingsville, Texas in January.

Jones, a native of Carson, Calif., was arguably the most dynamic defensive back in the Gulf South Conference in 2009. From his rover position, he led the GSC with eight interceptions and 19 total passes defended and was tops on Harding’s squad with 94 tackles. He led the Bisons in tackles on both running plays and passing plays.Jones is only the second Harding player to be honored by the AFCA since the Bisons joined the NCAA in 1997. Cornerback Robert Towns was the first in 2006.

For the second straight season, Harding will have a representative in the Cactus Bowl. Offensive lineman Ross Conn participated last season. Wide receiver Gerald Payne (2000) and defensive lineman Floyd Black (2002) also played in the Cactus Bowl.This year’s Cactus Bowl will be played on Jan. 8, 2010. In the past, the game has been regionally televised. Go to http://www.cactusbowl.org/ for more information.