Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones tips his hat to fans as he leaves the field after defeating Nebraska 45-31 in the Capital One Bowl NCAA football game in Orlando, Fla.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Georgia redshirt junior outside linebacker Jarvis Jones announced this afternoon that he has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL draft.
Jones is rated by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper as the draft's top overall prospect.
"This has been a difficult decision and one that I have talked over with my family and coaches," Jones said. "I will always appreciate the chance Georgia gave me after my [neck] 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."
The 6-foot-3, 241-pounder from Columbus, Ga., redshirted in 2010 after transferring from USC, and he had 28 sacks in 26 games in the two seasons since. He also racked up 155 total tackles, 44 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and an interception.
For more information, read Saturday's Times Free Press