USC running back Ronald Jones II found his home in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Social media celebrated with him on Friday evening.
There was potential for Ronald Jones II to hear his name called in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but the Trojan running back went into Day 2 with his services still up for grabs.
The wait for Jones II to come off the board stretched on as the Cleveland Browns went with Nick Chubb from Georgia at running back and the Indianapolis Colts bolstered their ranks at linebacker and guard.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended the wait when they selected Jones II with the No. 38 pick overall in the second round.
We can't wait to have the dynamic @rojo in our backfield. ?♂️?#GoBucs☠️ | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/BbhBemhv2n
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 27, 2018
? #USCtotheNFL ALERT ?
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 27, 2018
Name: @rojo
Round: 2
Pick: 38
Team: @Buccaneers #NFLDraft | #FightOn pic.twitter.com/ZtSf1W8p0r
Congratulations @rojo!
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 27, 2018
The All-American is the highest drafted RB out of Tailback U since Reggie Bush in 2006.#NFLDraft | #USCtotheNFL pic.twitter.com/M62GvkkxZP
Shortly after the pick was made, one media member pointed out a good omen for Jones II, who left with a big impression of Tampa Bay.
"It just felt like home," USC RB Ronald Jones said of his predraft visit to Bucs.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) April 27, 2018
On top of feeling like home, there was another connection to be drawn between Jones II and the Buccaneers.
We said on @ReignofTroy Radio last season that Ronald Jones felt weirdly unheralded like #USC great Ricky Bell.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) April 27, 2018
And just like the late great Bell, he's a Tampa Bay Buc.
Instantly, the brotherhood of Trojan players past and present took the time to cheer on Jones II and his new NFL team.
Let’s gooo @rojo !!!!
— Steven Mitchell Jr (@smj_vii) April 27, 2018
LETS GO ROJO Tampa just got a dawg!! @rojo proud congrats bro
— Kenny Bigelow (@_mcmxcv__) April 27, 2018
Sweet Jones!!!! @rojo
— MPJ (@MikePitt_Jr) April 27, 2018
Yeaaaaaaa @rojo ❗️❗️❗️❗️
— Silas Redd Jr. (@ThirdEyeSi_) April 27, 2018
@rojo mannnn!!. So damn proud
— Justin Davis (@JD_22bsm) April 27, 2018
USC’s coaches also jumped on Twitter to congratulate their star at running back.
Congratulations to Ronald Jones! One of the all time great Trojan backs and an even better man! Can't wait to watch you run wild in the NFL! #GoBucs #FightOn
— Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) April 27, 2018
Yeah! @rojo Let’s Get It!! #Bucaneers #NFDraft2018
— Tee Martin (@coachtee17) April 27, 2018
What are the Buccaneers getting in Jones II? Twitter seems to agree that the Trojan running back will get an early shot at major playing time in Tampa Bay.
Ronald Jones is great. Interesting fit for the Bucs. Not someone I would have pegged for them. Needs work in pass protection. The best running back in the draft is still available.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 27, 2018
Ronald Jones in TB steps into a starting role. Should be Day 1. Exciting pick.
— DAVID DOREY (@DMDorey) April 27, 2018
Ideal landing spot for Ronald Jones. Figure on some sharing with Charles Sims, but Jones managed to land a clear path to good volume.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
The next @jcharles25?
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) April 27, 2018
That’s what @adamrank sees in @USC_Athletics Ronald Jones II. pic.twitter.com/USBDqO8FO2
Based on the depth chart, Ronald Jones has a clear path to production in the Tampa Bay backfield.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 27, 2018
There was one other big talking point following Jones II’s selection: Fashion.
Jones II’s draft party featured everyone dressed in white while the running back rocked a red jacket. It made for a bold image.
The moment @rojo’s dreams became reality.#USCtotheNFL | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ltMokrAB8h
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 28, 2018
Congratulations to Ronald Jones II and the rest of the Guilty Remnant on the big day! #leftovers @HBO pic.twitter.com/tGaQrY5gBj
— Jon Eadie (@Jon_Eadie) April 27, 2018
whoa did you guys see Kobe at Ronald Jones' draft party? pic.twitter.com/Y5XErkh8Mn
— Kyle Madson (@KyleAMadson) April 27, 2018
Love the color coordination at the Ronald Jones house.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) April 27, 2018
With the hamstring injury which plagued him at the NFL Combine all healed up, Jones II will look to get his pro career off to as fast a start as his college career did. He broke USC’s freshman rushing record in 2015.