Pinning the only option for senior wrestler

When Vince Jones steps on the mat for the Nebraska Cornhuskers there are a lot of things that go through his mind before the match even takes place. Of all the thoughts that enter Jones' brain, there is one reoccurring theme:

His opponent crossed flat on his back.

The sound of the referee slapping the mat.

The roar of the crowd when Jones gets up and his hand is raised.

The senior has gone through this sequence 34 times in his Husker career. The wrestler from New Jersey makes it known that his mission isn't just to beat his opponent, rather he wants to pin every single man across the mat from him.

"It's my way of dominating," Jones said. "It makes me feel good inside. Other wrestlers like to get a tech(nical) fall or major. I like to pin."

That's a bit of an understatement. Earlier this year, Jones said that his goal is to pin as many people as possible. Such a goal in collegiate wrestling might seem foolish, but not to someone as confident as Jones.

"I believe if I make someone wrestle me, I'm going to get a pin out of it," Jones said.

Coach Mark Manning said that Jones came into the program with that kind of attitude.

"(Pinning) is something Vince came out of high school with," Manning said. "Being a pinner and getting the fall."

The Winslow Township wrestler went 137-12 in high school.

He finished with 97 pins.

Jones left high school as the fifth rated prospect in his weight class.

Manning said that he views Jones as a dangerous wrestler and said he the kind of athlete that opponents need to be aware of at any moment.

"He has a knack for pinning guys from all types of positions," Manning said. "He's good at that."

Jones works for the pin at any point of the match. But he doesn't necessarily key on one thing.

"I don't have a move," Jones said. "I'm pretty good at getting them on the mat, controlling the hips and stuff."

Manning agreed, but noted that the rest of the Big 12 has taken notice.

"I think his opponents are adapting to his style," Manning said. "A lot of these teams know him and they've seen him for three years. They stay out of a position where they are going to be put on their back."

Manning said that they stress for Jones to stay aggressive. Not a problem for a wrestler so full of confidence.

"I don't know if I'm going to get a pin, but it's always the first thing on my mind," Jones said.

MichaelSchaefer@dailynebraskan.com