BREAKING: Florida State Legacy Marvin Jones Jr. Is Coming Home To Tallahassee
Florida State's coaching staff has received its fair share of criticism for what has been deemed a less aggressive approach in the NCAA Transfer Portal since the window opened nearly two weeks ago. That narrative can now be firmly put to rest after a successful weekend on the recruiting trail in Tallahassee.
On Monday afternoon, Georgia outside linebacker transfer and FSU legacy Marvin Jones Jr. announced that he was coming home to Tallahassee to continue his college career. Jones Jr. is joining the Seminoles after a two-year stint with the Bulldogs where injuries and a wealth of talent limited him to a rotational role.
The Florida native appeared in 12 games in Athens this past season, making his first career start in the SEC Championship against Alabama. He totaled 12 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 237 snaps. Jones Jr. was limited by a shoulder injury that he needed surgery to repair last offseason.
During his first year with the Bulldogs, he appeared in 13 games, recording four tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack as a reserve. He's spent most of his time playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. A move back to the traditional defensive end spot could help lead to a resurgence at Florida State.
Jones Jr. was one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2022 class. He was ranked as the No. 2 edge prospect, the No. 5 recruit in Florida, and the No. 20 prospect in the country while playing at American Heritage High School. At the time, Jones Jr. was coached by current Florida State defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
This is massive for the Seminoles in more ways than one. Not only do they add a former five-star prospect with plenty of potential to develop, but they're also bringing in a recruit that they spent a lot of time recruiting two years ago. That's why it's so important to build relationships even if you lose out on the original recruitment.
It also helps that Jones Jr. is the son of legendary Florida State linebacker Marvin Jones. One of the best linebackers to ever come through the program, Jones Jr. won the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and Jack Lambert Trophy in 1992 while also being inducted into FSU's Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hame of Fame. He recorded 369 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, seven pass breakups, and three interceptions with the Seminoles.
With Jones Jr. finally donning garnet and gold, FSU will have a capable defender who has the potential to start next to star defensive end Patrick Payton in 2024. The Seminoles will likely continue to look for more experienced depth to add alongside Gilber Edmond and Byron Turner Jr.
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