Jarvis Jones has decided to stay in-state after all.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker from Carver High in Columbus, Ga., signed with Southern Cal and played for the Trojans as a freshman last season, but he is transferring to Georgia, according to Carver coach Dell McGee. USC coach Lane Kiffin granted Jones a release, announcing his departure June 2.
Jones had 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in eight games with the Trojans but had his season cut short by a neck injury. He visited Athens this week and was cleared by Georgia’s medical staff Tuesday, McGee said.
It is likely Jones, who chose the Bulldogs over Florida State, will have to sit out a year, but McGee said Jones might petition the NCAA for a medical waiver with hopes of playing this season.
Rivals.com rated Jones the No. 4 weakside defensive end and the No. 72 prospect nationally in the 2009 signing class. He also was rated the No. 3 Peach State prospect behind cornerbacks Greg Reid (now at Florida State) and Branden Smith (Georgia).