STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior defensive lineman Chris Jones’ time as a Bulldog has come to an end.
MSU announced Tuesday afternoon that the Houston native would forgo his senior season and enter the National Football League Draft.
“After discussing it with my family, I will forego my senior season at Mississippi State and enter the 2016 NFL Draft,” Jones said in a school release. “The past three years in Starkville have been unforgettable, and I am proud to be a part of the legacy that we created. I want to thank my teammates and coaches, especially coach Dan Mullen and defensive line coach David Turner, for giving me the opportunity to wear the maroon and white. As I pursue a dream of playing in the NFL, I will always be a Bulldog.”
WalterFootball.com currently ranks Jones as the 12th-best defensive tackle in the draft.
Jones finished his junior campaign with 44 tackles (7.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks. For his career, the 6-foot-6, 308-pound defensive tackle/defensive end recorded 102 tackles (18 for loss) and 8.5 sacks.
Jones joins fellow junior De’Runnya Wilson as Bulldog underclassmen who will not return for the 2016 season. Wilson, a wide receiver, announced on Instagram he played his last game as a Bulldog in MSU’s 51-28 win over North Carolina State in the Belk Bowl last month. MSU has not confirmed Wilson’s intentions.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.