LSU LB Mike Jones Jr. left Clemson to challenge himself in SEC West
Mike Jones Jr. spent three years at Clemson, a school he committed to during his sophomore year of high school. He became a leader in that timeframe. He also became a better football player as he patiently waited for his opportunity behind current top 10 pick Isaiah Simmons.
Jones, who predominately played a hybrid/coverage-type of linebacker at Clemson, signed with LSU in the offseason and will play more of a traditional "in the box" linebacker under Blake Baker in Baton Rouge.
During his time at Clemson, Jones racked up 47 tackles (8.0 for a loss), five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and 0.5 sacks in 29 total games, seven of which he started.
During his first media press conference since transferring to LSU, Jones admitted he was looking for a challenge and LSU seemed like the best place to do so.
"I left Clemson to try and find a new role in a (new) system. I wanted to play more in the box and it's been great here. Louisiana, I've really enjoyed it," he said.
"One of my big reasons for coming here is to challenge myself being in the SEC West. The SEC in general, you can't really take anything for granted. It's been a challenge. I'm glad to be here. I have great teammates, great coaching and I'm very appreciative for the opportunity."
The 6-2, 230-pound Jones said he's had to polish up on the role, adding that the competition and talent at LSU is more physical and faster.
He said: "It's a lot of competition in the linebacker room, so trying not to get left behind."
The linebacker room as a whole should have a much better season under Baker, who's been praised by several players as a great teacher. The Tigers return Damone Clark, Micah Baskerville, Jared Small, plus brought in JUCO linebacker Navonteque "Bugg" Strong, who coaches and players have raved about since Day 1, and the Tigers added freshman Greg Penn III in the last signing period.
"It's good to have Mike here and have Micah back. We've seen an improvement in our room the last couple of days," Clark told reporters earlier in the week. "You should have competition in every room. If you don't have competition then something wrong."
Clark, who struggled last season, added that the addition of Baker and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones helped him tremendously, and boosted his confidence.
Jones is a Nashville, Tenn., native who finished his high school career at IMG Academy in Florida. He is considered the No. 3 linebacker for the 2022 NFL Draft, according to PFF.