91��Ů

Tyrone Jones Jr. — The Making of a Man on and off the Field

Football, for Tyrone, has always been more than just a sport. It's been a refuge. His journey to LASC, however, wasn’t without detours. Initially at LBCC (Long Beach City College), life took a turn that caused him to step away from football and return to Las Vegas. After experiencing personal loss and hardship there, he came back to California, hoping for a second chance.

It was at LASC where Tyrone found more than just a football program; he found a community. “I loved it here. The counselors, teachers, coaches—they make you feel like this is where you want to be.” He credits Coach Miller and Jenkins for giving him a chance and holding him to high standards of commitment, consistency, and academics.

Those standards paid off. Tyrone currently holds a GPA of around 3.7 and is on track to earn his associate degree in sociology by Fall 2026. But he isn’t just an athlete or a student—he's a leader and a participant in programs like Umoja and A²MEND, which aim to support young Black men in higher education. Tyrone recently went on Umoja’s seven-day HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) tour, an eye-opening experience that deepened his cultural and historical awareness.

“I didn’t really know too much about the history growing up,” he said, reflecting on the emotional impact of visiting campuses and landmarks in the South. Of the schools he visited, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M, and Tennessee State stood out most. While he dreams of earning a Division I football scholarship, he says he wouldn’t hesitate to accept an offer from an HBCU—especially Clark. “If I wasn’t trying to play football, I’d just transfer there straight up.”

Tyrone’s appreciation for school support extends beyond academics. For him, LASC is a safe haven. “Even though practice doesn’t start until three, I get here at 11 just to stay away from distractions. This is my getaway,” he said. He looks forward to LASC’s new building being completed—a space he believes will be perfect for students like him who want to stay focused and surrounded by positive energy.

Tyrone’s love for football began early—age six—but his relationship with the game has seen highs and lows. He didn’t play in high school until his senior year at Long Beach Poly, and even then, due to transfer rules, he only saw game time in the final few weeks. He took a break from football altogether and pursued track as a decathlete at LBCC. But his passion for football never died. After earning top regional honors in track and eventually returning to the sport, he found his stride again—this time with purpose.

“I’ve learned a lot from my journey,” Tyrone said thoughtfully. “Like trusting myself more, and giving a hundred percent. You don’t know what you can do until you fully commit.” He speaks about the discipline football teaches—being on time, listening, doing things out of your comfort zone—and how those same skills translate to life.

In the long term, Tyrone hopes to leave his mark—not just as a football player, but as a student and a leader. “I just want to be noticeable when I leave here,” he said. “Not just from the football field, but from the programs I’m in. I want people to say, ‘Tyrone helped build this.’”