The way Ed Orgeron tells it, there’s an outstanding chance Clemson graduate transfer linebacker Mike Jones starts for the Tigers in 2021.

LSU added Jones last week after the graduate transfer announced his decision to leave Clemson. Not long after making his commitment to Orgeron’s program public, LSU announced the signing of Jones, making his transfer to Baton Rouge official.

The Tigers are set to return all but two starters from last season’s defense as defensive back JaCoby Stevens and linebacker Jabril Cox are the only two defenders that won’t be returning for LSU in 2021.

With Cox off to the NFL, Jones will be given every opportunity to replace the former LSU starter.

“We are excited about Mike,” Orgeron said during his most recent appearance on 104.5 FM ESPN Baton Rouge radio program Off The Bench. “His daddy played in the NFL, we are able to talk (about him), the paperwork is in.”

According to Orgeron, when researching linebacker prospects in the transfer portal, the Tigers narrowed their options down to three players.

Jones was the No. 1 option, according to Coach O.

“We looked at three big-time linebackers and the one that fit us the best was Mike,” Orgeron continued. “We are excited about him, he made a lot of plays at Clemson, comes from a great school, a championship winner. He is going to come here, have two years of eligibility.

“We are going to give him a chance to compete to start. He was playing mostly nickel linebacker. He wanted to come to the SEC and play inside. He is going to play one of the inside linebackers for us, given a shot to play. He is a great player, adds a lot of depth to our room.”