Former Tulane quarterback Jones likes current QBs pushing each other

NEW ORLEANS – One of the best ever to operate behind center for Tulane provided his opinion on the Green Wave’s current two quarterback system Tuesday at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club presented by Home Bank at Rock ‘n’ Bowl.

Jonathan Banks and Justin McMillan each saw extensive action 10 days ago when Tulane last played against Cincinnati. Banks is still listed as the starter on Tulane’s pregame depth chart as the Wave returns home to face SMU Saturday.

“McMillan will make Banks a better quarterback,” Jones said. “When you have changes there, it sets the tone for the offense. Having one quarterback is ideal, but you do what you have to do to win games.

“McMillan brings something different to the game. Banks is more of a dual-threat quarterback. We can’t go wrong either way.

“You have to sometimes be careful of the platoon system because it’s such a delicate position,” Jones added. “Coach (Willie) Fritz has done a magnificent job of managing those two veteran quarterbacks. ”

Jones, who left Tulane 30 years ago this fall holding virtually every passing and total offense record, is pleased with the direction of the program.

“It’s a joy to be a part of the growth of Tulane, with Coach Fritz and (athletic director) Troy Dannen,” he said. “I think they bring a fresh air. Much more positive things will happen to Tulane football and Tulane athletics in the future.”

Tulane heads into the second half of the season at 2-4 overall, 1-1 in the American Athletic Conference.

“The first half of the season didn’t go as well as we wanted,” Jones said. “We found out early on who we are, but at the same time, you still have to play.

“As my college coach Mack Brown used to say, ‘There’s always an opportunity next week, win or lose.'”

The SMU game and next Saturday’s game at 1-5 Tulsa give the Green Wave a realistic chance to climb back to .500 heading into November, which would mean a split of the final four games would leave Tulane bowl eligible.

“These next two games will determine a lot,” Jones said. “Coach Fritz’s approach to every week is positive, win or lose, but players have to play. I like what we have talent-wise.”

Jones was one of a handful of former Lutcher Bulldogs who headed east on I-10 to play Uptown in the 1970s and 1980s, along with Wilfred Simon, Lionel Washington, Marc Zeno and Wil Ursin.

“We saw a place that was giving up an opportunity to play,” Jones said. “There was a battle between LSU and Tulane during that time. Our high school was all LSU – purple and gold, and if you looked at our uniforms, we looked like LSU.

“I made a good decision. I wouldn’t change a thing. If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it all over again.”