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Chris Jones looks back on college decision, recalls fondness for Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Chris Jones was ranked the No. 2 overall recruit in the country in the Class of 2013, behind only Robert Nkemdiche. The two defenders could have easily been teammates.
Out of Houston (Mississippi) High School, Jones was the top prospect in the state. His recruitment was a classic Egg Bowl battle between Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
Jones ultimately chose Dan Mullen’s MSU program over Hugh Freeze and Ole Miss. The Bulldog great, though, was quite fond of Freeze.
Appearing on Monday’s ManningCast, Jones looked back on his big decision.
“I wanted to play for Hugh Freeze so bad,” Jones told the Manning brothers. “If I could do it all over again, I probably wouldn’t go. But I was really close to going to Ole Miss.”
Chiefs’ defensive tackle Chris Jones on the Manning Cast: “I wanted to play for Hugh Freeze so bad. If I could do it all over again, I probably wouldn’t go. But I was so close to going to Ole Miss.”
What would the Rebels’ ceiling have been with Jones on the d-line? pic.twitter.com/46ppelrAda
— Caleb Salers (@CalebSalersST) September 10, 2024
Jones would have a highly successful 3-season career at Mississippi State. He played in 38 games, recording 102 combined tackles, including 18 for loss and 8.5 sacks. Jones went 1-2 in the Egg Bowl. (Ole Miss would later vacate its 31-17 Egg Bowl win in 2014.)
Dan Mullen remains proud he won the battle for Jones. On Sunday, Mullen reposted Matt Barrie’s observation that the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackle (Jones) and quarterback (Dak Prescott) hail from Mississippi State.
In his ninth professional season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Jones has had a standout pro career. A 3-time Super Bowl champion, Jones has made first-team All-Pro each of the past two seasons and has been selected to the Pro Bowl each of the last 5 seasons. His career numbers include 276 tackles, 76.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 37 passes defended and 1 defensive TD.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
