Jacquez Jones was a big-time linebacker at Ole Miss. (Mississippi Athletics Photo)
Jacquez Jones didn’t want to go to a school that he liked. Instead, he wanted to go to a place that needed him and he feels Kentucky is a “perfect fit” from all he’s seen.
“Working out with the guys and talking to the coaches, this is a perfect fit for me and I think we have a chance to be one of the top defenses in the nation,” Jones said.
Jones, a senior, transferred from Mississippi to UK after leading the Rebels in tackles in 2020 with 75. He had 71 tackles in 2019.
Defensive coordinator Brad White said Jones helps “solidify” the UK defense that was a little short on linebacker depth and experience due to injury and early departure to the NFL.
“To bring in a guy who has played as well as he has in the SEC is great. The thing about Quez is he is able to come in and he fits. It’s like he has been here a long time,” White said. “That is a very positive thing. You always hold your breath a little bit when you go into the (transfer) portal because you do not always know how things will fit.”
Jones told coaches and players his visit to UK was a “business trip” and that he was “locked in” on elevating the UK defense.
“I didn’t worry (about fitting in). I knew they had seen my mental approach to the game,” Jones said. “I just came in from day one and showed them I ain’t no freshman.”
Jones said he fits the culture of “hard-nose, blue-collar football” at Kentucky and that being ready to hit fits his game.
He said White has told him to make sure he could get to the quarterback, something UK had trouble doing last year.
“I feel like that could be my job on third down. Throw out the blitz and I will get there,” he said.
9 Responses
Obviously not a team player to leave his OM team mates….makes one wonder why coaches are allowed to recruit other teams players and encourage them to enter portal as former OM defensive coach did who is now at Kty
Coaches cannot contact players before they go into portal
It has nothing to do with not being a good teammate. Things change. You ever changed jobs? Lane Kiffin is the coach now. It’s like the Mumme days here. All offense and no defense.
Great point Jim
I’m just glad Jones is now a UK Wildcat. Hope he tears it up in 21. I like his swagger, and confidence, and obviously Coach White does too. I think Jim got it right in his comment. Losing a player like Jones couldn’t happen to a more deserving coach than Kiffin. Talk about somebody turning their back on their team, ask The ugly A$$ Orange about that guy.
I think he just got one look at the UK co-ed’s and was sold !
Oh, those were the days !
Oh I doubt it was the Co-Ed’s. At Ole Miss, we redshirt homecoming queens. You obviously have never been to the Grove on Saturdays in the Fall.
I think you are definitely right about this Jay
Jay, been there many times – those gals buy make-up by the pound !!