No regrets for Kyron Jones, who has sights set on bigger role in year two at Georgia
As the 2023 recruiting cycle was drawing to a close, Kyron Jones had a big decision to make. He could have stuck to his commitment to North Carolina State where he would have played running back but he chose a road less traveled. Despite not playing much defense in his football career, Jones liked Georgia’s move-to-defensive-back pitch just a little more.
The 6-foot 200-poind speedster, who clocked a 10.54-second time in the 100-meter dash last spring, chose the Bulldogs and made his way to Athens in late May. That’s when the real work began but Jones always expected.
“I would say it was a learning experience,” Jones told DawgsHQ in a one-on-one interview after the Capital One Orange Bowl. “I don’t regret any decision that I made. I’m glad I transitioning and I’m just learning defense.”
While the chance the play for the then two-time defending National Champion was intriguing, Jones didn’t take the decision to move from running back to defensive back lightly. Impacting the game with the ball in his hands had become second nature.
But the North Carolina native was able to see the big picture. With running back being devalued at the professional level and the shelf life for that position so short, Jones saw a better way forward.
“I ain’t gonna lie, I grew up loving running back,” Jones said. “That was my love. I’ve been playing it since I’ve been playing football and it just took a lot of thinking about my future and what potential and possibilities could be there for me playing defense. Knowing the longevity of the position with my size and speed once I learn how to play defense. It can make me a better athlete. I love football more than I love positions so as long as I’m on the field, that’s it for me.”
It didn’t take long for Jones to experience what felt like some confirmation regarding his decision. He saw his first action in the Bulldogs’ first game of the 2023 season. With Georgia thumping UT-Martin 41-7 in the season opener, Jones number was called. He came into the game at the STAR/Nickel.
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He got his opportunity almost right away. The Skyhawks went to the air with just over two minutes left in the game and the pass bounced off a running backs hands and into the waiting arms of Jones, who secured the football and raced 26 yards for the touchdown. It was a feeling that he won’t soon forget.
“It kind of took me back to playing running back, catching the ball and returning it,” Jones said. “It was all unreal and glory to God for giving me that chance and opportunity. I’ve never felt anything like that.”
Jones had an uphill climb for playing time in 2023. He was transitioning from one side of the ball to the other and the Bulldogs already head some veterans in place. The door is now wide open.
With Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith off to the NFL, there are two positions for which Jones can compete. He spent most of his time in year one at the spot that Smith manned, STAR, in 2023 but he’s also learning safety. He’ll spend the next three months using every resource available and getting ready to play winning football wherever he is asked to play.
“Ultimately that’s been my goal since the start,” Jones said when asked about making a move in his first full offseason at UGA. “You’ve got to put in the work and the grind day in and day out so you can get more opportunities.”
