Melvin Jones, best known as a quarterback at Washington-Marion, went to LSU to play linebacker and saw his most significant playing time Saturday — at fullback — in the Tigers’ 30-27 victory over Florida.

To be fair, Jones also stood out at linebacker in high school and in some recruiting circles got the “athlete” tag as at some point he also played tight end, running back and wide receiver.

Just about everything, in other words, except fullback — which was the position LSU suggested he take a stab at shortly after arriving as a freshman last year.

It’s not a position that exactly screams “athleticism.”

But Jones, a sophomore, might have brought a new dimension to the position after being pressed into duty against the Gators due to an ankle injury to senior starter Connor Neighbors.

“He made a very nice reaction to playing,” LSU coach Les Miles said of the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder’s first start as a Tiger. “He just put a smile on his face and went to work.

“Certainly, not perfect on the day, but made several big catches and a couple of very significant blocks. Again, a young player that steps forward to play.”

Jones, in fact, led the Tigers in receiving, an oddity for a fullback. His four receptions went for 19 yards, but all were key.

LSU (5-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) has never been shy about throwing to fullbacks — tight end is another matter these days — and it was the good hands Jones showed in those early linebacker drills that in part planted the seed for coaches to move him to fullback.

But Neighbors hadn’t caught a pass this season.

Jones didn’t neglect the position’s day job in the LSU offense. A Baton Rouge newspaper’s film study credited Jones with seven blocks that sprung backs for significant gains, with one missed block that hindered a running play.

Among them was the key block that sealed the outside and allowed Kenny Hilliard to score on a fourth-and-goal gamble from the 1-yard line that pulled the Tigers to within 17-14 late in the first half.

That capped a drive that began with Jones’ first reception for 5 yards.

His other three catches, two of which picked up first downs, all came in the 13-play, 65-yard drive early in the third quarter that gave LSU its first lead, 20-17, on Leonard Fournette’s 2-yard run.

“Connor Neighbors coached him all through the week and put him in a position to play should Connor not travel,” Miles said. “Connor did not travel. Connor talked to him before the game by phone.”

Jones said the phone call came bright and early Saturday morning for the night game.

The gist of the conversation was that it was Jones’ time to step up and be the man at an unheralded, largely anonymous position.

Of course, Jones has always made the most of his limited opportunities.

He had one catch in LSU’s previous six games, but it went for a touchdown in the Tigers’ 63-7 rout of New Mexico State.

As a true freshman last year he was active on special teams — as he is this year — but on offense had no carries and one reception in mop-up duty against Furman. But the one catch went for a 7-yard touchdown.

How much time Jones will see at fullback this week against Kentucky (5-1, 2-1) is anybody’s guess.

Miles said Neighbors was back practicing this week and should be fine.

But Miles, forever loose with the truth about injuries, said the same thing last week and Neighbors didn’t even make the trip.

So one never knows.

But at least the Tigers can be confident that, either way, the position is in good hands.(Associated Press)

John Raoux