First-Year Profile: Marvin Jones Jr.
First-Year Profile: Marvin Jones Jr.
Georgia signed the nation’s No. 3 overall class in the 2022 recruiting cycle, per 247Sports. The Bulldogs inked 30 signees. So, over the next month, Dawg-Watch.com will be looking at Georgia’s incoming freshmen in a revamped series called “First-Year Profile.”
Next, we will look at Marvin Jones Jr., who was the Bulldogs’ second-highest-rated prospect in the 2022 class.
Ranking: Jones was rated the nation’s No. 24 overall prospect, No. 3 edge rusher and No. 4 player from the state of Florida, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite.
Size: 6-foot-5, 250-pounds
Story: There really wasn’t a lot of drama in Jones’ recruitment. He was offered by the Bulldogs on Dec. 17, 2020, making them the third SEC program to do so. Less than a year later, he returned to Athens on an unofficial visit and attended Georgia’s matchup against Kentucky. He then came back on Dec. 10 for an official visit. Jones proceeded to commit and sign five days later on Early Signing Day. He then enrolled on May 31, 2022.
2022 Impact: Jones was a heavily-touted prospect for a reason. He was one of the country’s top defensive linemen in the 2022 recruiting class because of his versatility. He proved that at American Heritage High School, where he racked up 55 tackles, including 14 for loss and 13 sacks as a junior. In 2021, he totaled 46 tackles and five sacks as a senior. Jones mainly was an edge rusher, but he also lined up at defensive tackle as well.
Despite not enrolling early, Jones is a very talented player and can catch on fast this summer before the start of fall camp. He has an advantage over most because he is the son of former New York Jets defensive end, Marvin Maurice Jones. So, he already has a wealth of football knowledge and is known to be a fast learner, which can help get him on the field quicker.
The Bulldogs have an immense amount of depth on the defensive line already, although Jones has the talent to make an impact on the field this upcoming season. He also possesses great size but just needs to put on some more weight this summer. If Jones does all that, Dawg-Watch can see him making an impact by mid-season for UGA in 2022.
Scouting Report:
“One of the top pass rushers in his class. Wins time after time with his explosive first step. Started high school career off as a wide receiver before changing positions. Initially was a bit on the leaner side, but added almost 30 pounds to his frame summer between junior and senior seasons. Additional mass has allowed him to get more aggressive at the point of attack. Bends extremely well for a player his size and is able to run the corner better than most. Still developing a full menu of pass rushing moves, but is more than capable of dipping and ripping his way around blockers. Longer reach makes it very difficult for quarterbacks and running backs to get away. Extra length also helps eliminate some throwing lanes. Has experience working out of both a two and three-point stance. Missed time as a sophomore due to injury, but rebounded with a monster junior campaign totaling 13 sacks for the Sunshine State’s 5A champs. Still far from a complete product, but should be viewed as a prospect with a high ceiling given his initial burst and fluid movement patterns. Scheme versatility a plus as he could be molded into a 3-4 edge player or a more traditional defensive end. Could also probably kick inside on third and long, if needed. Should eventually emerge as an impact player for a College Football Playoff contender after a few years on campus. Has a chance to one day be an early round NFL Draft pick.” - Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
Highlights:
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