Cardale Jones is not taking his opportunity for granted, but acknowledged he has not earned anything in the way he would have liked.

Speaking with ESPN, Jones said he still views his place on the Ohio State Buckeyes as the third string quarterback to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett. Jones' accomplishments may be significant given the short timeframe and his journey overall, but he would rather have something because he earned it.

"We as a team and me as an individual get a lot of praise for how well we did in those games, but I didn't even grade out as a champion as far as coach's standards," he told ESPN. "I haven't proven anything yet. I haven't proven anything to myself, my teammates, my coaches to label myself as a starter. That's my opinion, my personal opinion."

Head coach Urban Meyer has an unprecedented decision to make and he has vowed to choose his week one QB before concluding training camp. If the impending decision is weighing on Jones, he is not letting it show, ESPN noted.

His three wins in three championship-level games have made the Cleveland native a celebrity in Ohio. President Obama called him by his nickname, "12 Gauge" when the Buckeyes visited the White House, he threw out a ceremonial first pitch for the Indians and got to address a Cavaliers home crowd from the court.

Jones came into camp healthier than Barrett and Miller, but the latter two are expected to be able to compete this season. All three have expressed support for one another, but all three want the same thing.

"I'm working harder than ever. I understand that I want to be the starting quarterback of this team, but I know I have two guys in front of me who are working just as hard," Jones told ESPN. "That's not a chip on my shoulder.

"It's just an understanding that it's far from over and I haven't done anything yet."

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