Could Former USC LB, Jarvis Jones, Continue His Career As A Georgia Bulldog?

Jarvis Jones, a 2009 signee for the USC Trojans, was granted a release from his scholarship and is seeking to continue his playing career elsewhere.

The Columbus, GA native sustained a neck injury in 2009 that sidelined him for five games last season and held him out of spring practices for USC this year.

The Trojans medical staff were refusing to clear him for play in 2010 and, Trojan head coach, Lane Kiffin  said of the injury, "I don’t know how to describe it from a medical perspective. There’s a serious concern that hits or a number of hits could lead to permanent damage." 

Jones obviously does not share Kiffin's opinion and still believes he can play. The question now is, where will he end up now?

Could he land back home, playing for the Georgia Bulldogs?

The Bulldogs courted Jones hard in 2009 but fell short of his plans as some thought he was angling to leave the state altogether. Georgia's avid pursuit of him landed them in his final five (which included Florida, LSU, Texas, and USC) but that didn't guarantee his allegiance to the in-state power.

The Georgia coaching staff was so impressed with Jones that, at one point, coach Mark Richt sent six assistants out at one time to see him.  Richt even spent six-hours speaking with the Columbus native the week prior to signing day.

There was no doubt that the Bulldogs wanted him in Athens—bad—and for good reason.

The book on Jones is simple: he's an intelligent defensive player with big play and big hit ability. He transitioned to the linebacker position in 2006 after playing tight end and excelled. He had a dominating senior season at Carver High School, finishing with 157 tackles and 10 sacks, and was a solid contributor for the Trojans in 2009 (recording 13 tackles in 8 games) before sustaining the injury.

His potential is no less now, than it was then, and, assuming he is cleared to play, he would be a solid addition to any defense.

According to a report by Atlanta Journal Constitution recruiting expert, Chip Towers, who has spoken with Jones' former high school coach, Jones may be eligible to play in 2010—he would not be required to sit out the year as most NCAA transfers often do. Right now, the young man is simply weighing his options and sending out letters of interest to his chosen schools—Georgia could be in that mix. 

Coach Grantham's new 3-4 would fit Jones' style of play well and Jones' presence would add depth to the teams' linebacker corps, which took a hit with the dismissal of Montez Robinson this offseason.

We will see if Georgia looks better to Jones the second time around. Florida State is also thought to be interested.

Below is some high school video of Jones (No. 10):