Mississippi State lineman Chris Jones declares for NFL draft

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Mississippi State defensive lineman Chris Jones has decided to declare for the NFL draft.

The school released a statement confirming Jones' decision on Tuesday. The 6-foot-6, 308-pound junior has been one of the best players on Mississippi State's defensive line the past three seasons. He had 44 tackles, including 7 1/2 for loss and 2 1/2 sacks as a junior.

Jones thanked Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen and defensive line coach David Turner in the statement released by the school. He added that the ''past three years in Starkville have been unforgettable, and I am proud to be a part of the legacy that we created.''

The Houston, Mississippi, native had 102 total tackles in his career, including 18 tackles for a loss and 8 1/2 sacks in 16 starts.