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13. Chris Jones, Soph., DL, Mississippi St.
He may not be satisfied at the position coaches feel suits him best, but 6-foot-5, 308-pound defensive tackle Chris Jones is guaranteed to cause havoc in the backfield no matter where he lines up this fall.
“I tell them all the time, I’m not a D-tackle. That’s just the position I’m playing right now,” Jones said after the Bulldogs’ first practice this fall. “I’m a defensive end at heart.”
RELATED: Projecting 2014 SEC Stat Leaders — Defensive Linemen
Jones played in every game as a true freshman in 2013 and despite making only three starts, contributed 32 tackles and three sacks. It’s difficult to project his overall production as a sophomore starter, but he should at least double his sack total. His sheer size and athleticism puts him at the top of everyone’s wish list as a powerful run-stopper and headliner — along with Benardrick McKinney — on the Mississippi St. defense.
A fleet-footed rusher, the fact that Jones could play multiple positions in the trenches despite his weight will make him even more desirable at the next level if he declares after the 2015 season.
2013 statistics: 32 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
2014 projection: 43 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks
