LSU Football: Tigers’ defensive depth improved on Wednesday
By Zach Ragan
LSU football‘s defensive depth received a boost on Wednesday.
Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr announced Wednesday afternoon that he’s transferring to LSU.
“Make your next move your best move,” tweeted Jones, along with a graphic of himself in an LSU jersey.
Jones is the Tigers’ 24th addition to the 2021 recruiting class (23 signees and one transfer), which means the program only has one remaining scholarship to give out during this cycle.
How does Mike Jones help LSU Football?
Jones is a former four-star recruit who signed with Clemson during the 2018 recruiting cycle.
The Tennessee native played high school football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. Jones was ranked as the No. 15 outside linebacker in the country in 2018.
Jones redshirted as a freshman at Clemson. In 2019, as a redshirt freshman, Jones compiled 18 tackles. This past season, Jones totaled 26 tackles, two interceptions, and four tackles for loss (including a half sack).
LSU has a big hole to fill in the middle of the field with Jabril Cox off to the NFL. Jones, along with Damone Clark and Micah Baskerville, will likely start for the Tigers in 2021.
Josh White and Antoine Sampah should factor into the rotation as well. Newcomer Navonteque Strong was ranked as one of the top junior college players in the nation, so I would expect him to be a major factor for LSU next season. Incoming freshman Greg Penn will help provide some more depth for the Tigers.
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LSU isn’t necessarily “loaded” at the linebacker position, which is why the addition of Jones on Wednesday is so important.
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, by the way, plans to keep the Tigers’ base 4-3 defense in place next season.