Marvin Jones Jr. 'gaining a lot of confidence' per Kirby Smart
Georgia signed four prospects with a five-star rating in the 2022, all on defense. Two of those players, Mykel Williams and Malaki Starks, have made immediate and major contributions through five games, combining for six starts. Another of those former five-star prospects, Marvin Jones Jr., could be on the cusp.
Kirby Smart was asked about the American Heritage High School product on Wednesday. The seventh-year head coach indicated that Jones’ arrow is pointing upward.
“You know, he’s starting on special teams now which is huge and gaining a lot of confidence,” Smart said on Wednesday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference. “I was just watching some of the practices from the last couple of days and he’s getting better. He does a really good job. He’s giving great effort when he’s on the scout team and then he goes over with the defense and reps. Does a good job with that as well. We think he’s growing. He’s very intelligent, very conscientious and getting stronger.”
Georgia landed Jones on the traditional National Signing Day in February, beating out Alabama for his services. When the dust settled on the 2022 class, Jones was ranked as the nation’s No. 20 overall prospect and No. 4 EDGE defender per the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 4 player in Florida.
Marvin Jones Jr. comes from impressive gridiron stock. His father was a standout linebacker at Florida State, winning the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award in 1992. Marvin Jones Sr. was picked No. 4 overall in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He went on to have an 11-year career with the organization.
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The talented freshman has already gotten his feet wet. He has appeared in all five games thus far and registered a solo tackle and a quarterback hurry in Georgia’s 48-7 win at South Carolina last month.
Why Marvin Jones Jr.‘s role at Georgia could increase soon…
Most of UGA’s EDGE defender contributions this season have come from seniors Nolan Smith and Robert Beal. As long as they are healthy, those two will continue to shoulder the vast majority of the load.
The No. 3 spot, however, could be up for grabs. Sophomore outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and he did not travel with the team to Missouri last week. If Chambliss continues to miss time, it might open the door for Marvin Jones Jr. He will battle redshirt sophomore MJ Sherman for that role.
Georgia is back in action this coming Saturday with their first home SEC game of the season. The Bulldogs will play Auburn in the 127th edition of The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
