The LSU secondary was going to be the most experienced part of the defense in 2010.

However, the defensive backfield took a hit Monday when starting free safety Chad Jones announced that he is giving up his senior season in football to play in the NFL.

Jones, who also has two years of eligibility remaining in baseball, will not participate in that sport for the Tigers this spring. The statement came from Jones' father, Al Jones, and not from the LSU athletics department.

"My heart will always be at LSU, especially with my coaches and teammates who played an instrumental role in my college football and baseball experiences," said Chad Jones in the statement.

"I know another season at LSU would be fun and successful and that I could accomplish more on the field with the Tigers. But, this opportunity with the NFL is impossible for me to pass."

Jones was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection during this past season. Jones made 74 tackles in 13 games. He broke up six passes and intercepted three others. Jones also returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State.

In his football career, Jones made 158 tackles with five interceptions and 16 pass breakups. Jones was a key member of the Tigers bullpen during their national championship year. He made three hitless appearances in the College World Series.

Jones' older brother, Rahim Alem, completed his LSU football career in the Capital One Bowl. Jones' father played football at Tulane in the late 1970s.

"Since I was a kid growing up in a family with a strong football tradition, I've always dreamed of playing football in college," Chad Jones said. "I hoped one day I'd make it to the NFL.

"After many discussions with my family and (LSU football) coach (Les) Miles, I feel it's the right time for me to enter the NFL draft."

According to Al Jones, his son will select an agent and begin training for the NFL combine in the coming days. Chad Jones was a 13th-round selection of the Houston Astros in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft.

With Jones leaving the football program, redshirt freshman Craig Loston will probably remain at safety. There was consideration of moving Loston to linebacker. Returning safeties with starting experience are Brandon Taylor and Karnell Hatcher.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri intended on using Jones as a set-up man for closer Matty Ott. The Tigers do return another set-up man - Paul Bertuccini.