Georgia LB Jarvis Jones to declare for the 2013 NFL Draft
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| Jarvis Jones led the SEC in sacks and earned All-America honors each of his two years with the Bulldogs. (US Presswire) |
Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones plans to declare for the 2013 NFL Draft, a source tells CBSSports.com's Jeremy Fowler.
Jones is considered to be the top rated linebacker and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2013 class, according to CBSSports.com. Rob Rang and Dane Brugler have the Bulldogs linebacker going in the top 10 of their most recent mock drafts.
The news comes just days after Jones broke Georgia's single-season sack record (14.5) against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. The graduate of Carver High in Columbus, Ga., endured a tumultuous road that included a neck injury and transfer from Southern Cal before ending up at Georgia and returning to the field in 2011. Jones led the SEC in sacks each of the last two seasons despite missing two games in 2012 due to a strained groin and a sprained ankle.
Jones' impact on the Bulldogs' defense was far more than sacks. The All-American also led the nation in fumbles forced (seven) and delivered key defensive plays -- like the hit on Jordan Reed in the Florida game that prevented the Gators from a potential game-tying score late in the fourth quarter. His athleticism has allowed Jones to be a force not only getting into the backfield but also dropping into coverage.
Jones will be a welcome addition to any NFL franchise looking for a dynamic addition to its defense, and this decision does not come as a huge surprise considering his projections for April's draft.
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