Tag: mike jones jr.

Derek Stingley Jr and Mike Jones Jr among the top 50 NFL draft prospects

Two LSU Tiger defenders among the top 50 big board from Todd McShay.

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It is never too early to start digging into the NFL draft.

Looking at the 2022 NFL draft class there are two top defenders that could be looking to make the jump to the next level. According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, they rank among his initial top 50 big board (subscription required).

No. 3: Derek Stingley Jr, Cornerback

Mik(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

What Todd McShay Says…

Stingley has been a standout in college football for two seasons, bursting onto the scene with six interceptions as a freshman in 2019. The numbers weren’t as eye-popping last season, but he still played a big role for LSU on defense. He is long, fast and physical, and he’s the premier defensive back in this year’s class with 20 passes broken up over two seasons. Versatility is also key for Stingley, who can play press-man, off-coverage, free safety and the overhang position. A bonus: Stingley also has experience returning punts.

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What LSU Wire Says…

All eyes will be on No. 7 whenever he takes the field. Whether that is lining up at his traditional spot at cornerback or taking snaps on offense, Derek Stingley Jr will be under the microscope. This is for good reason, Stingley is an obvious choice at the top of any draft board. He put the world on notice during the 2019 season, which made the 2020 campaign all the more disappointing. He dealt with injuries and the coaching was less than stellar.

In year three, a return to the 2019 form is what we are waiting to see. With Daronte Jones making the calls on defense, Stingley should be in a better position than he was under Bo Pelini. When Jake Peetz calls his number on the offensive side, it will be must-watch TV. He has the ball skills and understanding of running routes will only enhance his game on the defensive side.

Stingley is listed as No. 3 behind a pair of quarterbacks in Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma) and Sam Howell (North Carolina).

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Pair of Tigers among top newcomers to make impact in 2021

Two newcomers for the LSU Tigers are among the top impact players in college football for 2021.

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Last season the LSU Tigers defense was abysmal, so much so that Ed Orgeron saw enough after one season with Bo Pelini running the show. The head coach decided to go a different route and relieved the former Nebraska head coach of his duties. Daronte Jones comes to Baton Rouge to try and fix what was broken.

Jones will have some elite cornerbacks at his disposal while trying to find playmakers at the other positions. The help could come from a pair of LSU newcomers. One of the bigger additions comes from Clemson in Mike Jones Jr at linebacker. A versatile athlete at linebacker as the team tries to replace the production of Jabril Cox, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.

Jones was among the top 50 impactful newcomers from ESPN (subscription required).

No. 16: Mike Jones Jr, Linebacker

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Jones started seven games at linebacker last season for Clemson and had 30 total tackles, one sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. LSU’s defense could use some experience and the type of ability that Jones possesses at linebacker, and he should be a starter from day one.

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No. 35: Maason Smith, Defensive Tackle

As an early enrollee, Smith has a good chance of playing right away along the defensive line for LSU. The coaching staff is excited about his potential and how he could contribute early on.

Two former LSU Tigers were also among the top 15 with Arik Gilbert at No. 2 and Siaki Ika at No. 17. Gilbert transferred to Georgia while Ika is back with Dave Aranda at Baylor.

Jones comes in to play the strongside linebacker spot in the Daronte Jones defense. He can be a weapon in terms of coverage and tackling in space. Smith looks to break into the rotation at defensive tackle for the LSU interior. The No. 1 recruit for the 2021 LSU class is ready to make his impact felt.

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Former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. is one of the nation’s top transfers

The LSU Tigers picked up one of the best transfers last offseason in linebacker Jabril Cox. Now there’s a new man in town.

The LSU Tigers picked up one of the best transfers last offseason when linebacker Jabril Cox chose to play his final college season in Baton Rouge.

This year, former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. is looking to replicate Cox’s production after transferring to LSU earlier this month.

A former four-star recruit in 2018, Jones played in 28 career games for Clemson, making 52 tackles, including eight for loss, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

LSU expects the 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior to play immediately this fall.

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On Monday, 247Sports released its list of the top 50 transfers, and Jones came in at No. 6 overall. He was the No. 2 linebacker.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, former LSU tight end Arik Gilbert was the No. 1 player on the list. The former five-star signee played one year with the Tiger before opting out of LSU’s final two games in 2020 and announcing his transfer to Florida last month.

Another former Tiger made the list as defensive tackle Siaki Ika came in at No. 17. Ika transferred to Baylor after just four games into his sophomore season.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron will continue to monitor the transfer portal for any players who could help LSU in 2021.

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Clemson transfer Mike Jones Jr. lands with LSU

Former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. is headed to Baton Rouge.

LSU football had some open scholarship spots remaining in the 2021 recruiting class, and Ed Orgeron struck gold on Wednesday by landing former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. out of the transfer portal.

Jones originally entered the NCAA transfer portal on Jan. 25, and will immediately be eligible to play in 2021.

Jones, a former four-star recruit from Nashville, Tennessee, appeared in nine games for Clemson last season and posted 26 total tackles, two interceptions and half a sack.

LSU’s recruiting class for the year ranks highly in the 247Sports composite, sitting at No. 3 behind just Alabama and Ohio State.

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With the move to add Davis, the Tigers have just one open scholarship spot left to fill ahead of the upcoming season.

So, how does LSU fill it?

There are plenty of options. Orgeron could turn to the transfer portal one more time, land a JUCO or unsigned high school product or simply carry the opening over to the 2022 recruiting class.

It will be interesting to see which move he makes as the Tigers aim to bolster the roster and bounce back in 2021 after finishing with an overall record of 5-5 in 2020.

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