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A’Khori Jones: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
11/7/2025 10:00:00 AM | Football
Note: Below is the main feature story about Liberty's A'Khori Jones for this home football game's edition of Flames Illustrated, Liberty's home football game day program.
As a senior student-athlete at Liberty, I don't want to take a single moment for granted.
This is my final season, and while it's bittersweet in many ways, my focus is on making the most of this year with my teammates and coaches.
I have the rest of my life to reflect on my time here, but for now, I'm just trying to go hard every day and leave it all out on the field.
Finding the Right Fit
When I first arrived at Liberty, I was immediately drawn to its culture. The Mountain felt like home from the moment I arrived on campus.
The school was growing and its football team was winning, and I wanted to be part of a program that had such high expectations.
Even when coaching changes happened, the standard and what we play for has always remained the same.
We're here to win, and I'm proud to be part of a team that embraces that mentality.
For me, leaving wasn't ever an option, even with the transfer portal being such a prominent part of college athletics.
I found something good here, and I wanted to hold onto it.
It's been a blessing to build real connections with the current coaching staff, and I couldn't be more appreciative of their guidance and support.
Cherished Moments
Throughout my time at Liberty, I've had the privilege of experiencing some unforgettable moments that will live with me for the rest of my life.
Playing in the Conference USA Championship game in 2023, for instance, will always be one of my proudest achievements.
When the clock hit zero, and we won, it was a surreal feeling.
The joy, the laughter, and the celebration — it felt like a movie.
I've also had the opportunity to participate in multiple bowl games, including the unforgettable experience of playing in the Fiesta Bowl – Liberty's first-ever New Year's Six bowl game.
And while we haven't won a bowl game yet, it remains a significant goal for this year's team, especially this year's senior class. We want to leave our time on the Mountain as winners.
I want to end my career with two championship rings, not just one.
That would be the perfect way to conclude this incredible journey.
Balancing Sports and Academics
While success on the field is important, I also understand the value of education.
I'm pursuing a degree in business administration, and I take my academic responsibilities seriously.
I've been blessed to receive recognition for my hard work in the classroom, which brings great pride to my family and me.
I've been named a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and last year, I was named to the CSC Academic All-District® Team.
Football won't last forever, so having a solid fallback plan is crucial.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to earn a degree and prepare for life after football.
In terms of career goals, I'm still figuring out exactly what I want to do with my degree.
I've been making connections and exploring different possibilities, but for now, my focus is on the present and what lies ahead in this sport.
Whether it's playing at the professional level or transitioning into a coaching role, I want to maximize my potential in football for as long as I can.
Family and Community
Family has always played a significant role in my life, and I'm fortunate to have their support.
They attend games, sometimes with a crowd of 30 strong, and I feel an extra sense of motivation when they're in the stands.
My brother, especially, has been a tremendous influence on me.
Growing up, I looked up to him and wanted to excel in the sports he played.
We've always shared a love for sports, and they've played a central role in our bond.
Returning to my roots in Macon, Ga, is something I cherish whenever I have a break.
I spend time at my high school, Mount de Sales Academy, sharing the knowledge and experiences I've gained at Liberty with the current players who aspire to reach the next level.
Giving back to the community that shaped me is incredibly fulfilling, and I'm committed to helping in any way I can.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my journey at Liberty, I want to express my gratitude to Flames Nation.
Their support and enthusiasm create an incredible atmosphere at every home game.
Liberty has been a great place for me, and I'm thankful for every moment I've spent here.
Whether it's on defense or special teams, I'm always eager to be on the field and contribute to the success of the team.
I cherish that our coaching staff trusts me to be on the field so much, as I have played the second-most snaps of any player on the team the last two seasons.
Football is a game-changer, and I want to be one of those players who can make a difference.
So, as I navigate this final season, I'm focused on giving my best every day, embracing the moments, and leaving a lasting legacy at Liberty.
As a senior student-athlete at Liberty, I don't want to take a single moment for granted.
This is my final season, and while it's bittersweet in many ways, my focus is on making the most of this year with my teammates and coaches.
I have the rest of my life to reflect on my time here, but for now, I'm just trying to go hard every day and leave it all out on the field.
Finding the Right Fit
When I first arrived at Liberty, I was immediately drawn to its culture. The Mountain felt like home from the moment I arrived on campus.
The school was growing and its football team was winning, and I wanted to be part of a program that had such high expectations.
Even when coaching changes happened, the standard and what we play for has always remained the same.
We're here to win, and I'm proud to be part of a team that embraces that mentality.
For me, leaving wasn't ever an option, even with the transfer portal being such a prominent part of college athletics.
I found something good here, and I wanted to hold onto it.
It's been a blessing to build real connections with the current coaching staff, and I couldn't be more appreciative of their guidance and support.
Cherished Moments
Throughout my time at Liberty, I've had the privilege of experiencing some unforgettable moments that will live with me for the rest of my life.
Playing in the Conference USA Championship game in 2023, for instance, will always be one of my proudest achievements.
When the clock hit zero, and we won, it was a surreal feeling.
The joy, the laughter, and the celebration — it felt like a movie.
I've also had the opportunity to participate in multiple bowl games, including the unforgettable experience of playing in the Fiesta Bowl – Liberty's first-ever New Year's Six bowl game.
And while we haven't won a bowl game yet, it remains a significant goal for this year's team, especially this year's senior class. We want to leave our time on the Mountain as winners.
I want to end my career with two championship rings, not just one.
That would be the perfect way to conclude this incredible journey.
Balancing Sports and Academics
While success on the field is important, I also understand the value of education.
I'm pursuing a degree in business administration, and I take my academic responsibilities seriously.
I've been blessed to receive recognition for my hard work in the classroom, which brings great pride to my family and me.
I've been named a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and last year, I was named to the CSC Academic All-District® Team.
Football won't last forever, so having a solid fallback plan is crucial.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to earn a degree and prepare for life after football.
In terms of career goals, I'm still figuring out exactly what I want to do with my degree.
I've been making connections and exploring different possibilities, but for now, my focus is on the present and what lies ahead in this sport.
Whether it's playing at the professional level or transitioning into a coaching role, I want to maximize my potential in football for as long as I can.
Family and Community
Family has always played a significant role in my life, and I'm fortunate to have their support.
They attend games, sometimes with a crowd of 30 strong, and I feel an extra sense of motivation when they're in the stands.
My brother, especially, has been a tremendous influence on me.
Growing up, I looked up to him and wanted to excel in the sports he played.
We've always shared a love for sports, and they've played a central role in our bond.
Returning to my roots in Macon, Ga, is something I cherish whenever I have a break.
I spend time at my high school, Mount de Sales Academy, sharing the knowledge and experiences I've gained at Liberty with the current players who aspire to reach the next level.
Giving back to the community that shaped me is incredibly fulfilling, and I'm committed to helping in any way I can.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my journey at Liberty, I want to express my gratitude to Flames Nation.
Their support and enthusiasm create an incredible atmosphere at every home game.
Liberty has been a great place for me, and I'm thankful for every moment I've spent here.
Whether it's on defense or special teams, I'm always eager to be on the field and contribute to the success of the team.
I cherish that our coaching staff trusts me to be on the field so much, as I have played the second-most snaps of any player on the team the last two seasons.
Football is a game-changer, and I want to be one of those players who can make a difference.
So, as I navigate this final season, I'm focused on giving my best every day, embracing the moments, and leaving a lasting legacy at Liberty.
Players Mentioned
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