South Carolina football: Ernest Jones declares for NFL Draft
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football will be without its top linebacker in 2021.
The South Carolina football team will be without one of its top playmakers on the defensive side of the ball next season as inside linebacker Ernest Jones has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones announced his decision on Twitter early Tuesday afternoon.
The message, seen below, begins with the caption “Talked to my God and he said “It’s Time!”
"To my teammates, thank you! Everyday we came to work you guys pushed me to be at my best. You are all truly my brothers and the relationships I have gained with each of you won’t be forgotten!To my coaches and strength staff. Thank you for pouring a lot of time and energy into making me not only a better athlete but a better man. The knowledge I gained from each of you will help me as I move on to this next chapter.To the fans of University of South Carolina, my second home. The moment I stepped on campus I felt the love and passion you have for Gamecock football. Thank you for always supporting me and being the best fans in college football. It made every game in Williams-Brice Stadium unforgettable.As a kid I always dreamed of how it would feel to play in the NFL. After much prayer and thought, I have decided to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft."
The junior has led the South Carolina defense in tackles each of the last two seasons, including a career high 97 in 2019. This year, as a team captain, he totaled 86 takedowns despite missing the majority of the final two games with an injury. He averaged 9.6 tackles a game.
Jones becomes the third defender from the 2020 squad to skip his final season of eligibility and declare for the draft, joining cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu.