Maurice Jones-Drew's 2005 season for the record books

Maurice Jones-Drew was majority known as just Maurice Drew at UCLA his first two years. Changing his name to add Jones in 2005 after the death of his grandfather from a heart attack. He would go on to become known for the nickname MJD. Jones-Drew was a special talent with UCLA and was the true definition of “all-purpose” for his ability to run, catch, return and block. He was always a scrimmage yards machine in college. Being one of those players that once he had the ball in space anything could happen.

2005 is where MJD would really separate himself as someone who was an NFL talent. Rushing for 914 yards and 13 touchdowns and adding 31 catches for 453 yards and three more touchdowns. But his best work came from his ability to change the game as a punt returner. He set an NCAA record for averaging 28.5 yards per punt return and taking three back to the house for touchdowns. Putting him into the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft after declaring.

MJD became a Unanimous All-American during that 2005 season. Putting to bed questions that he was too small to succeed at the running back position. He was listed at 5’8 often hearing critics talk about if he could withstand the toll of hits. But a 4.39 40-yard dash time and being able to check off all the boxes was more than enough to overcome that. As he would go on to have a durable nine year NFL career. With a total of 8,167 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns as well as catching 346 passes for 2,944 yards and 11 more touchdowns.

It was a great draft in 2006 for UCLA Bruins alumni. As the Jacksonville Jaguars also selected Marcedes Lewis in that same draft after winning the John Mackey Award for best tight end. MJD was a special talent that was elected to the UCLA Hall of Fame in 2017. His 2005 season will remain a staple in record books. As his 28.5 yards per punt return has not been close to being passed and may never to be honest.