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6 CAVALIER CORNER cavalier sports A true renaissance man, Perris Jones enters his sixth season as a member of the Virginia football program. He came to UVA as a walk-on and eventually earned a scholarship. Jones served as a team captain in 2022 and led the running back room in rush- ing last season. Listed at 5-foot-7, 179 pounds, he's pound for pound one of the strongest players in the program. In 2023, he was the recipient of UVA's Strength and Conditioning Dedication Award for work ethic and leadership in strength training and conditioning at the program's annual awards banquet. Cavalier Corner: You chose to return to UVA for a sixth season. What went into that decision? Jones: Coach [Tony] Elliott and his staff were the first to actually believe in me and give me a chance in my abilities. I feel like I left a lot out there. I didn't put my best foot forward, and I was always raised to do so by my parents. "I have a lot more to give. You know, a lot more to give my teammates, a lot more to give my coaches, and a lot more to give this program. That's what I aim to do with this last year. That was a big factor in coming back on top of obviously the tragedy and everything that transpired. I have a debt to pay to those guys, and I plan to pay it." Cavalier Corner: As Mike Hollins' roommate, tell us a little bit about what you've seen from someone you call "Iron Mike." Jones: "Man, the name speaks for itself. I have the privilege of living with Mike as well as working out with him day in and day out. He is a superhero. That's the best way that I can describe it. "Experiencing what he experienced and carrying himself with as much grace and perseverance as he does is inspirational to see day in and day out. His spirit is truly unbroken, and he embodies that every day. The passion he has for his teammates and for the coaches and for the program, I mean, it's second to none." Cavalier Corner: Poetry is a big part of your writing. What is the writing process like for you? Jones: "I would like to someday have a poetry book of my own. I have a big file on my computer back at home. I add to it whenever the thought comes to mind. I kind of use life as my fuel for poetry. "Whenever I think about something, I start jotting down notes on my phone and then I carry it to my laptop, and then save the file and just keep adding that." Cavalier Corner: You also play the guitar. How did you get into that? Jones: "My dad was a big Jimmy Hen- drix fan and he'd play some of his tapes. I was amazed at how a guy can make all those tunes with a little guitar, and I said 'I gotta learn how to do that.' He told me right off the bat, 'I don't know if you'll be as good as he was but you can learn.'" Cavalier Corner: You've had an in- credible journey both on and off the field. What makes you most proud of your time at UVA? Jones: "That I didn't quit. There were a lot of tough days that I don't think a lot of people talk about. Those times where you really doubt yourself and question whether or not you actually belong. "Through those times I stayed true to who I was, and I'm thankful to my parents for that. They just kept me going forward. I'm most proud that I didn't quit along the way with all the hardships that came." — Scott Fitzgerald five questions with Sixth-Year Running Back Perris Jones Jones — a 5-7, 179-pound former walk-on who has earned a scholarship — is pound for pound one of the strongest players in UVA's football program. (Photo by Matt Riley/courtesy UVA)