Georgia LB Jones declares for NFL Draft

Jan 4, 2013 - 11:52 PM Athens, GA (Sports Network) - Georgia All-American outside linebacker Jarvis Jones announced Friday that he will forego his senior season and enter the upcoming NFL Draft.

Jones, a finalist for every major national defensive award this past season, is expected to be one of the top overall prospects of this year's class and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the SEC Championship Game with a brilliant junior campaign.

The 23-year-old led the FBS ranks in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5) and forced fumbles (7) in addition to registering 85 overall stops and one interception. Jones also set a Georgia season record for sacks after racking up a pair in the Bulldogs' 45-31 victory over Nebraska in Tuesday's Capital One Bowl.

Jones recorded 13 1/2 sacks and 19 1/2 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2011, after sitting out the previous season as a transfer from the University of Southern California. His freshman year at USC was limited to eight games by a neck sprain.

"This has been a difficult decision, and one that I have talked over with my family and coaches," said Jones. "I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches and support staff and the Bulldog Nation for everything over the last three years. I will always appreciate the chance Georgia gave me after my injury at Southern Cal. There is nothing like the Bulldog fans and I will forever be proud to wear the 'G'. I think this decision comes at the right time for me and my family, and I look forward to seeing what the next level holds for me."