Gannon University Athletics

Marcus Jones began his career at the University of Findlay before transferring to Gannon. Playing for the Golden Knights from 2016-18, he became the most prolific running back in school history in a little over two-and-a-half seasons. He eclipsed most of the game, season and career school rushing records while also departing as a highly-decorated performer.
 
A native of Painesville, Ohio Jones was a 5-foor-11, 225 lb. running back who possessed an impressive combination of power and speed. With 455 yards and 4 TDs on 72 carries as a sophomore no one could have predicted the numbers he would put up over the next two years.
 
In fact, 2017 is likely the finest season ever enjoyed by a Golden Knight on the gridiron. He opened the season with 201 yards and three scores against Southern Connecticut State signaling a remarkable campaign that finished with 2,176 yards with 29 TDs on 269 carries, all school records. He ran for 100-or-more yards as a junior in 10 of 11 games, including a season-high 354 yards and 4 TDs vs. Slippery Rock.
 
Jones was a consensus All-American in 2017 and finished as the runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. While leading all NCAA divisions in rushing with 197.8 ypg., he was an AFCA All-American along with being named a first team Associated Press All-American. In addition, he was a D2CCA, D2Football.com and Football Gazette All-American. He became the second Golden Knight to be named the PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Year and was the ECAC Offensive Player of the Year.
 
Jones repeated as an AFCA All-American in 2018, earning second team accolades, and was also a second team D2Football.com second team honoree and third team Football Gazette selection. He also earned first team All-PSAC West honors for the second straight year. Jones finished 2018 with 1,708 yards, the second-highest season total, with 21 TDs. He concluded his career with an amazing display under adverse conditions. Playing in a snowstorm he set school records with 410 yards and 7 TDs against Lock Haven.
 
Concluding his career with 4,339 yards on 618 carries with 54 TDs, Jones holds Gannon school records for career, season and game rushing and touchdowns while ranking fifth in career attempts. He topped the 100-yard mark in rushing 18 times.  He was also a capable receiver who ranks fifth in career receptions for a running back with 51.
 
Jones received his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Gannon in 2020. He is the father of Zaire and Amari Jones and currently serves as the Dean of Students at Perspective Academy (grades 6-12) in Beachwood, Ohio.