Tennessee offensive lineman Jack Jones has retired from football after a long battle with neck and shoulder injuries throughout his career, head coach Butch Jones announced during his weekly press conference on Monday.
"Jack Jones has had some recurring neck and shoulder injuries - he has decided it's best that he no longer play football," Jones announced. "We hurt for Jack. We hurt for his great family. We will be here for support."
The coach said the lineman's decision came after meeting with doctors and that "everyone felt it was in his best interest that he would no longer play football."
Jones, a former four-star prospect, appeared in nine games and made one start as a true freshman in 2015, made six starts in nine appearances as a sophomore and started at left guard in Tennessee's season opener against Georgia Tech this season.
The Murfreesboro native ranked as the No. 9 offensive tackle, No. 4 player from the state of Tennessee and the No. 129 overall prospect for the 2015 national recruiting cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite.
