From College Captain to NFL Hopeful: Jeshaun Jones’ Journey with the Minnesota Vikings

Jeshaun Jones has been defying expectations since his college debut at Maryland in 2018, and his latest move with the Minnesota Vikings proves his journey is far from over. After a standout six-year career with the Terrapins, the wide receiver is taking steps toward making an impact at the professional level.

A Stellar College Career

Jones’ time at Maryland was nothing short of eventful. Over six seasons, he played in 48 games and tallied 151 receptions for 2,040 yards and 14 touchdowns. His versatility shone from the start, as he recorded a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown on his first three career touches during his college debut against Texas. That performance made an immediate statement: Jones was a playmaker to watch.

By the time he wrapped up his college career in 2023, Jones had solidified his leadership role, serving as a team captain and posting career-high numbers with 56 catches for 790 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the Big Ten in receptions, receiving yards, and yards per game, proving he could perform against top-tier competition.

Undrafted, but Not Overlooked

Despite his impressive résumé, Jones didn’t hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Minnesota Vikings saw potential in the 6’1” receiver, signing him as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). While he spent most of the 2024 season on the Vikings’ practice squad, the team clearly saw enough promise to keep him around.

The Vikings recently announced that Jones has signed a reserve/future contract, securing his place on the team heading into the offseason. This move gives Jones the opportunity to continue developing and compete for a roster spot in 2025.

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Why the Vikings See Potential

Minnesota’s decision to retain Jones reflects their belief in his skill set and potential to grow into a reliable contributor. His ability to make plays in multiple ways—whether through his route running, yards after the catch, or leadership qualities—aligns well with what NFL teams look for in depth wide receivers.

Jones’ college stats back up this optimism:

• 2023 Season: Career highs in receptions (56) and yards (790), leading Maryland in both categories.
• 2022 Season: Led Maryland again with 44 catches for 557 yards.
• Freshman Year (2018): Scored seven touchdowns, including five receiving, and recorded a passing touchdown in his debut season.

The Road Ahead

The reserve/future contract is not just a nod to Jones’ potential; it’s an invitation to seize a golden opportunity. With continued development, he could carve out a niche role in the Vikings’ offense, possibly as a depth option or special teams contributor.

The journey from undrafted free agent to NFL contributor is a challenging one, but if Jeshaun Jones’ college career has shown anything, it’s that he thrives when the odds are stacked against him.

Minnesota fans should keep an eye on this former Terrapin as he looks to make his mark in purple and gold.