KNOXVILLE – Gerald Jones was hurt last season when he didn’t return punts for the Tennessee football team.
“Not physically,” Jones clarified. “I was hurting emotionally.”
The senior wide receiver loves to return punts.
Punt returning requires that love because it’s not for everyone. The ball moves awkwardly and often is difficult to catch. Decisions must be made on whether to catch punts or let them bounce. Catching the ball usually happens at a complete stop with good athletes sprinting full speed at the returner. The hits hurt.
“I think you have to be born with it, because … it’s kind of crazy,” Jones said. “But I guess I was just born with it, because I love it.”