Northwest Missouri State Athletics

Ryan Jones was named the 2010 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year as he led the league with six interceptions. In 2010, Jones returned two interceptions for touchdowns with one each against Missouri Western and Emporia State. Jones ranks No. 8 in Bearcat history with 14 interceptions, including four in postseason play. Jones was a first-team All-America choice in 2010 by the AP Little America, D2Football.com, American Football Coaches Association and Don Hansen Gazette. Jones was also a two-time first-team all-MIAA pick in 2009 and 2010. Jones played in 56 career games and registered 191 career tackles. He was credited with 52 career passes defended (38 pass breakups and 14 interceptions), which ranks No. 3 in MIAA history and tied No. 26 in NCAA Div. II history. He was the Phil Voge Award winner in 2007 as Northwest's top freshman when he stepped in for an injured Brandon Clayton. Jones tallied 53 total tackles, three blocked kicks and two interceptions and returned a fumble 72 yards for a touchdown against Missouri Southern in his freshman season. Jones was a member of the 2009 NCAA Div. II national championship squad.