LSU football: Tigers land ex-Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr.

Linebacker Mike Jones Jr. transfers to LSU after three seasons with the Clemson Tigers. 

The LSU Tigers gained a valuable addition to their defense after linebacker Mike Jones Jr. decided to transfer from Clemson.

The move now leaves Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables without a starter who was projected to hold the same role in a defense that returns most of the group from last season’s semi-final loss to Ohio State. In contrast, LSU receives a player that should be a starter in 2021.

Before arriving at Clemson, Jones was a standout at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He was a four-star outside linebacker and ranked 208th in the ESPN 300 class of 2018. While a member of the Tigers, Jones participated in two national championship games, winning one against Alabama and losing the other to LSU. In his tenure at Clemson, Jones registered 46 tackles, 0.5 sacks and two interceptions.

The LSU Tigers are getting a player with valuable experience in Mike Jones Jr.

Though his statistics aren’t overly eye-popping, Jones provides a wealth of experience to the LSU football program and at a position of need. His father played in the NFL for 12 seasons. Additionally, Jones has experience playing on the biggest stage in college football.

Given how the Tigers’ defense and the team as a whole vastly underperformed after winning a national championship, this is a welcome addition for Ed Orgeron’s program in what they hope will be a rebound year in 2021.

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