Markell Jones knew Purdue's running back landscape.

Raheem Mostert, Akeem Hunt and Brandon Cottom were graduating, creating an opening in the backfield. The Columbus East standout, who was named Indiana's Mr. Football and the state's Gatorade Player of the Year, hopes to fill that role starting in the spring.

That's one reason why Jones decided to enroll early at Purdue.

"I think it will be a good opportunity to get a jump-start on the guys in my class," Jones said. "Get in the books and get familiar with class schedules and start my career and hopefully play in spring ball, get recognized early and show the coaching staff what I have. In the end, they're going to play the best guy. If I turn out to be that guy, I look forward to playing an early role."

Jones set the state's single-season rushing record with 3,536 yards and 60 touchdowns and his 7,793 career yards ranks second in Indiana.

Among the contenders at running back heading into the spring are Keyante Green, David Yancey and D.J. Knox. The Boilermakers also have commitments in the 2015 class from running backs Tario Fuller and Richard Worship.

Jones and Kentucky quarterback Elijah Sindelar will room together. Jones said he "talked (Sindelar) into graduating early and he finally folded."

Question: Was it a hard sell?

Answer: It makes sense. Him being a quarterback and I'm a running back. I told him about the opportunities we would get if we graduated early. He realized football is a little bit more important to him and then he got hurt. It will be good for him to get there and start rehabbing.

Q: Are you signing more autographs after winning Mr. Football?

A: Unfortunately, yes. There's a local sheriff here who has a photography business on the side and he made me a couple of packs of football cards with my picture and my stats. I went out to one of the elementary schools where I work with second-grade students and handed out football cards. The secretary wanted one for her little kid. It's cool living in Columbus. It's a small town and everybody knows everyone. I literally can't walk anywhere without somebody noticing my face and I'll stop and talk to them.

Q: Are you comfortable being a role model?

A: I embrace it. I look forward it. I think I'll get a lot of opportunities to be a role model in West Lafayette. That's stuff I enjoy doing – giving back and helping out younger people. People enjoy it and I enjoy it. I like to bring joy to people.

Q: You committed to Purdue in June. Did you ever think about changing your mind and what schools were you considering?

A: Western Michigan and Ball State. The latest offer came in December. The Iowa Hawkeyes offered me. I basically told the coaching staff, 'you're way too late.' Even if they had offered earlier, I would've stuck with Purdue. They literally offered me one day after I signed (Big Ten tender) and two weeks before I was supposed to report to Purdue. I appreciate the staff extending the offer.

Q: You're majoring in professional flight technology. When do you start flying at Purdue and how do you see your career playing out in the aviation field?

A: I think we fly Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A lot depends on where football takes me. I'll probably turn that into corporate aviation like my dad does or commercial. I'm going to learn the business side of aviation so I can buy and sell planes.

I've been enthused with planes ever since I was a little kid and always had a dream and ambition to fly planes. I always thought I was going to be a pilot but when Purdue came along and they have one of the best aviation programs in the country, it's an awesome opportunity.