Soul’s Jones earning stripes, breaking records

Tiger is a tough nickname to live up to. However, the Soul’s Anthony Jones is doing a pretty good job of it.

Recently, the 31-year old Jones became the first player in AFL history to post three 2,000-yard receiving seasons. Jones, who goes by Tiger, also became the Soul’s all-time leader in receptions for a season and career.

“I knew I was coming up on it,” Jones said. “It’s a great accomplishment. It’s a testament to our coaches and team, period.”

Jones, who had NFL training camp stints with the Redskins (2005) and Eagles (2012), thinks he might be the best receiver in the AFL. He got his nickname from his father, who attended Tennessee State.

“Yeah, you got to think you’re the best,” he said. “I’m sure other top guys think they’re the best in the league, too.”

Next, Jones has his eyes set on breaking teammate Larry Brackins’ record for most receiving touchdowns in franchise history. Jones sits seven scores shy of Brackins’ record of 91 receiving touchdowns.

“L-Boogie [Larry Brackins] has been here for a long time and doing it for a while,” Jones said. “It’s great playing with a guy like that, we complement each other … if that happens, records are made to be broken.”

Former Soul coach Doug Plank, who now coaches the AFL’S Orlando Predators, praised Jones and his competitive nature.

“He’s a solid performer and consistent,” Plank said. “He’s willing to run into walls and jump over walls. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody that would run his body into stationary objects.”

Playoff party

The Soul beat Orlando, 69-65, Saturday night in a first-round playoff game. They’ll take on Jacksonville on Saturday in the American Conference championship game.

“Our goal was to win this game, and that’s just what we did,” said Soul coach Clint Dolezel.

Jones enjoyed a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012.