Ball State cornerback Nic Jones was always lurking.
Jones arrived to Muncie, IN in 2019 at age 17. He was a reserve nickelback, awaiting an opportunity behind a crowded Cardinals secondary. He didn't become a full-time starter until 2021, but a season-ending LCL tear abruptly ended a promising season. But Jones returned even stronger in 2022, and after just one full season as a collegiate starter, it was clear Ball State was working with NFL talent.
Jones officially crossed the bridge to the professional level Saturday when the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs selected him 250th overall in the seventh round.