STARKVILLE — Chris Jones knew the importance of his junior season.
The junior defensive lineman knew 2015 might be his last year with the Mississippi State football program. He didn’t think about professional football all the time, but he knew he would be draft eligible once the season ended, so it was natural for the thought to slip into his mind.
But to realize a goal of being selected in the NFL draft, Jones realized he needed to have a big season to attract attention.
“I think I made a huge jump,” Jones said. “Just as talent wise, I think I was more technical this year than last year. I think I was more focused and more of a leader.”
Jones’ statistics reflected that growth as he improved in several categories after what some would consider a sophomore slump in 2014. Jones will get at least one more game with MSU (8-4) when it plays North Carolina State (7-5) at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 (ESPN), in the Belk Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In 12 games, Jones has 39 tackles (seven-and-a-half for loss), two-and-a-half sacks, five quarterback hurries, and four pass breakups. Jones burst onto the scene as a freshman out of Houston High School in 2013. He earned All-Southeastern Conference and All-America honors after finishing with 32 tackles (seven for loss), three sacks, and three pass breakups.
Big things were expected from Jones last year, but he played behind seniors Preston Smith, Kaleb Eulls, and P.J. Jones who had great seasons. Jones had 26 tackles (three-and-a-half for loss), three sacks, and two pass breakups.
In the first six games this season, Jones had 24 tackles (two-and-a-half for loss) and half a sack. But Jones had 15 tackles (five for loss) and two sacks in the final half of the season.
“I think there’s no question, probably the last five or six games, he played differently,” MSU defensive line coach David Turner said. “He played like he’s capable of playing. He was more consistent in practice. His last five or six games, it showed. His production was up.”
Jones could return for his senior season, but he filed paperwork with the NFL to get feedback on where he would be drafted if he passes up his senior season at MSU.
“It’s always good to get feedback,” Jones said. “Even if it’s good feedback or bad feedback because bad feedback, you know what you can work on. If it’s good feedback, you can build from that.”
The 6-foot-6, 308-pound Jones said he feels ready to play at the next level, but he knows there are a lot of things he needs to work on. Although he hasn’t heard from the NFL, Jones has an idea of the things he needs to improve on.
He’s been working tirelessly at those this season.
“Technique issues,” Jones said. “You know, the smaller things. My hand placement, my footwork, things like that.”
Jones said his goal is to perfect those details.
The Bulldogs can have five underclassmen file paperwork with the NFL to get an idea where they would be selected if the entered the draft. MSU coach Dan Mullen said he always encourages those who have an opportunity to be drafted to do so, but he isn’t trying to push them out the door. He also won’t try to persuade them to stay, either.
“We want to educate people on making good and bad decisions so they can make the best decision,” Mullen said.
In a perfect world, Turner said Jones would be getting ready for his junior season. He wasn’t redshirted as a freshman because the Bulldogs needed him on the defensive line. Even if he was redshirted, he still would be draft eligible, but the odds are greater he would have decided to return to MSU if he had redshirted.
Turner isn’t worried about Jones’ decision because he is trying to get the defensive line prepared for North Carolina State.
“He’s got to make an educated decision. It’s a family decision,” Turner said. “I really don’t worry about that until the season’s over. Then we’ll sit down and talk. I want what’s best for guys and my players. Those are things we’ll discuss once the season’s over.”
Jones said he hasn’t talked to Mullen about his future. He said they will do that after the season and then make his decision.
According to CBSSports.com, Jones is the 145th best prospect for the upcoming draft, and 13th best defensive tackle.
“It’s my future, so I have to think about it every day,” Jones said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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