The college football offseason is a time for readjustment. Players rehab from injuries, work on correcting bad habits, and, occasionally, leave their team altogether.
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Linebacker Mike Jones Jr. became one of the more notable names to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this year.
After a redshirt true freshman season, Jones turned himself into a starter for Clemson.
In 2021, he will be going from one Tigers team to another and suiting up for LSU.
Clemson Linebacker Mike Jones Jr. Transfers to LSU
Make your next move your best move❗️ @LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/lHvYzAFBuE
— Mike Jones Jr🤨 (@_mjones24) February 10, 2021
RELATED: Meet "Bugg" Strong: LSU's Hard-Hitting LB Who Could Make an Immediate Impact
Before committing to Clemson, Mike Jones Jr. was a force to be reckoned with in at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He received offers from Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt before landing with Dabo Swinney.
Damone Clark: "Man, Coach (Blake) Baker might be one of the coolest coaches I've ever met."
Baker was a big part of landing Mike Jones Jr., too, his father said. #LSU
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) March 25, 2021
Now, head coach Ed Orgeron has been gifted a linebacker with multiple years of eligibility remaining. After a rocky 2020, LSU's defense more than welcomes the former Clemson LB.
Jones Jr. brings plenty of big game experience to Baton Rouge. In fact, he lined up against his new team back in the 2019 College Football National Championship Game. Additionally, he picked off Ohio State QB Justin Fields in the CFP semifinals last year.
The linebacker has incredible versatility and is known for his ability to cover wide receivers off the line of scrimmage. His skillset and performance in fall camp has earned him a spot on ESPN's preseason top-50 prospects of the 2021 college football season.
LSU Tigers LB Mike Jones Jr ranks among the most talented transfers of 2021. https://t.co/T4U4misrPZ
— LSU Wire (@lsutigerswire) August 23, 2021
The LSU Tigers have done well in the transfer market in recent years. Jabril Cox shined last year, and combined with Damone Clark's return, the linebacking corps is set to do well.
There's no doubt Jones Jr. can make an impact donning the purple and gold.
Mike Jones Jr. Highlights
Mike Jones Jr. has looked the part of a college football standout. Last season, he registered 26 total tackles, a pair of interceptions, and a forced fumble.
He is capable of playing a strong outside linebacker for a College Football Playoff contender, so the move from the ACC to Louisiana shouldn't do much to crater his NFL Draft stock.
Jones Jr. is hoping for a new beginning with the LSU Tigers. He'll have to carve himself a role early on in his tenure, but his sky-high potential should do him favors over the next several seasons.
