It’s official: UGA all-star linebacker Jarvis Jones to enter NFL draft as junior
ATHENS – Jarvis Jones is turning pro.
Not that anybody didn’t already know that. The junior outside linebacker has been projected as high as No. 1 in the April NFL if he chose to forgo his senior season. But it wasn’t until late Friday evening that Claude Felton, UGA’s director of sports communications, confirmed the news via Jones. Felton said Georgia is not planning a formal news conference at this point.
Jones issued a statement through UGA:
“This has been a difficult decision, and one that I have talked over with my family and coaches. I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches and support staff and the Bulldog Nation for everything over the last three years. I will always appreciate the chance Georgia gave me after my injury at Southern Cal. There is nothing like the Bulldog fans and I will forever be proud to wear the ‘G’. I think this decision comes at the right time for me and my family and I look forward to seeing what the next level holds for me. Go Dogs!”
Jones leaves with the Bulldogs’ single-season record for quarterback sacks. After getting two against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl this past Tuesday, Jones finished with 14.5, or point-five more than David Pollack, who set the old record in 2002. That was also tops in the nation.
Jones, a 6-3, 241-pound native of Columbus, a two-time consensus All-American, recorded 28 sacks in his two seasons with Georgia. He played in 26 games over his two seasons with Georgia, starting all of them. He finished his career with 28 sacks in that span (1.08/game), which is tied for third in school history. Jones also recorded 44 tackles for loss of 235 yards, 155 total tackles, nine forced fumbles and an interception during his time as a Bulldog.
Jones, a 2012 consensus First Team All-American, ;ed the nation in tackles for loss (24.5 for loss of 132 yards) and forced fumbles (seven). He was third on the Bulldogs with 85 tackles and added an interception and two fumble recoveries in 12 games played this season (Jones was injured for two of Georgia’s 14 games).
Jones joined the Bulldogs as a scout team member in 2010 after transferring from Southern California. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 2011 after leading the SEC in sacks (13.5) and tackles for loss (19.5) and piling up 70 tackles in 14 games.
The 2013 NFL draft is April 25-27.
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132 comments Add your comment
UGADawg97
January 5th, 2013
12:26 pm
Good riddance, no loyalty. Take the money and run…typical.
Jarvis Jones gives Muschamp nightmares
January 5th, 2013
12:44 pm
Good luck, JJ! Thank you for one heck of a career as a Bulldog! You made Bulldog Nation proud and were a big reason for the turnaround of the past two seasons. I can’t say I blame you when you aren’t going to get a higher draft status than that. Go dawgs! Muschamp must be smiling out there somewhere…
Jarvis Jones gives Muschamp nightmares
January 5th, 2013
12:46 pm
Jarvis came back once when he could have bailed on us after one full season starting and he did not. I’m disappointed, but I couldn’t blame him after what he’s gone through with his family. Thanks for being a DGD, JJ!!
UGADawg97
January 5th, 2013
12:47 pm
And the most he won was a share of the SEC East. Lost potential and opportunities. Sad, window closed.
dawg52
January 5th, 2013
2:00 pm
Normally, I’d be against an underclassman leaving for the pros. However, Jarvis Jones’ case is unique. HE’S READY…Jones has been a model rep for the university since he arrived. No trouble involving on or off field issues, very coachable, and plays every down with passion….A TRUE DAWG FOREVER. Represented himself, UGA, state, and family like it should be….Good luck at the next level JJ!!!!!!
Red Stick
January 5th, 2013
2:08 pm
He has to be one of the best players of all time in Athens. Guys like that are tough to replace. We certainly have more than our share leaving early.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
78Dawg
January 5th, 2013
2:14 pm
I just hope he doesn’t go to the NFC South…especially the caints…………
Return to Glory
January 5th, 2013
4:20 pm
Jarvis thanks for the effort and great plays. Good luck and go get them in the NFL.
mgdawg
January 5th, 2013
8:03 pm
Jarvis Jones has been a DGD. Really wish UGA would’ve had him from the start. He was a great player who also kept his nose clean, UGA doesn’t have many of those.
Rick in Warner Robins
January 5th, 2013
8:04 pm
Good, I’m tired of hearing about him. If anyone selects him, he’ll only be good practice team player.
graphite
January 5th, 2013
8:30 pm
Sure would have been nice to see him play against Texas A&M.
Dr. John Trotter
January 5th, 2013
8:49 pm
Jarvis Jones is in the Pantheon of Dogs to always be remembered. In my book, he will always be among my favorites, and I have been following the Dogs for nearly 40 years. Not in any particular order, I easily and fondly remember (though some were before my time) Jarvis Jones, Herschel Walker, Jake Scott, Bill Stanfill, Ben Zambiasi, Richard Tardits, D. J. Shockley, Rodney Hampton, Fran Tarkenton, Charley Trippi, Frankie Sinkwich, Moonpie Wilson, Cowboy Parrish, Bill Krug, Scott Woerner, Clarence Kay, Buck Belue, Randy McMichael, Hines Ward, Terry Hoage, Richard Seymour, Richard Samuel, IV, Wayne Johnson, and Charley Dean, just to name a few. Not all were All Americans, but they were some of my favorites. I also like the much maligned Jasper Sanks.
Good luck, Jarvis! You are truly a star among stars! Keep the faith and stay positive! You have overcome a lot already and have prevailed!
kingdaddy
January 5th, 2013
10:34 pm
LOL, Thankyou Jarvis. We will always think you were,one of the best. Hate to see you go, but your “victims” are HAPPY you are pulling out. Good luck in the NFL and thanks for the memories…
Woodstock Dawg
January 5th, 2013
10:54 pm
I wish he would stay, but this opportunity only comes around once. I’ll look forward to buying my first NFL jersey.
SatillaDawg
January 5th, 2013
10:57 pm
Good luck, Jarvis, and God speed!
Thanks for your humility, hard work, dedication and innumerable, incredible feats on the gridiron.
There will always be a special place for you in the hearts of Bulldogs everywhere.
You’re a winner, and best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Three cheers for a DGD!
Steve Spurrier
January 5th, 2013
11:05 pm
Um… there is a new verb called “Clowneyed.” It means you got nailed so bad that you fumbled the ball and the guy that hit you picks the ball up with one hand and starts running. It’s named after Jadeveon Clowney. It happened against Michigan, the game everyone was watching on the January 1st.
For the life of me, I can’t seem to find that new catchy verb called being “Jarvised…” or “Jonesed…”
Doesn’t exist. So someone you guys are worshiping, isn’t even noticed on the national stage. Not like my boy…
http://www.postandcourier.com/storyimage/CP/20121010/PC20/121019960/AR/0/AR-121019960.jpg&q=100&maxh=300
SouthernGent
January 6th, 2013
8:20 am
Great player with a great heart. Wish him nothing but the best!
I am also surprised that no idjit tech fans or posters with 17 word names screwed up the first page of this blog. Go DAWGS!
papadawg
January 6th, 2013
8:28 am
Good move. I just hope you rubbed off on the younger players. Too bad the Falcons don’t have a chance to draft you
Armyrangerdawg
January 6th, 2013
8:39 am
DGD.. The “RIGHT” way… EVERYTIME!!!! You showed my 16 year old Broowood Bronco how to be humble/respectful/coachable while always G. A. T .A.!!!!!!! God luck,sir!!!
let the big dawg eat
January 6th, 2013
8:43 am
Hines Ward !!!!! Hines Ward !!!!,Hines Ward !!!!
Buckeye who lives aming
January 6th, 2013
8:46 am
Bankrupt at 30
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can stop it
January 6th, 2013
10:22 am
Why are you surprised? He was all about “getting his” anyway. Great at running down quarterbacks, but couldn’t handle a team running right at him.
Story of your sad program…
Jborodawg
January 6th, 2013
12:32 pm
Why is there nothing in the AJC about Chris Wilson being hired?
Barnes
January 6th, 2013
1:31 pm
Adios and good riddance to Jones. There’ll be one less worthless punk in Athens, and one more overpaid millionaire thug in the NFL.
James in Amelia Island , Florida
January 6th, 2013
2:01 pm
Jarvis, good luck young man. You represented UGA very well! Thank you for all your hard work and leadership both on the field and off. UGA Fans truly wish you well in the NFL.
Go Dawgs
Obomaisajoke
January 6th, 2013
3:13 pm
Why did he leave USC ? What will be his salary be vs. Ga.?
Jacket Man
January 6th, 2013
8:09 pm
And Aaron Murray has just announced he’s returning next season…
Jacket Man
January 6th, 2013
8:10 pm
At least to some insiders…
Basspro2150
January 7th, 2013
10:01 am
Jarvis you will be missed but cna’t blame you. Why chance an injury without the money. Thanks for the excitement in each and every game. Loved to watch you play. Go Dawgs.
Basspro2150
January 7th, 2013
10:05 am
Well Barnes guess you don’t keep up with UGA. I don’t believe that Jarvis got into any trouble at UGA. Here’s to Jarvis, wishing you the very best in the NFL.
Dawgingatorville
January 7th, 2013
10:51 am
Best to Jarvis, He will be impossible to replace.
larry ledbetter
January 9th, 2013
9:34 pm
jarvis you are without a doubt a game changer. you desire and focus were amazing. you make all georgia fans proud but more than that you make moms and dads proud for the example you set for all young people to emulate. God speed young man and stay humble.