The Texas A&M sustained a major loss on Sunday as physical junior cornerback Jaylon Jones announced he would forgo his senior season to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Jones — a starter since his first collegiate game — leaves A&M with 98 tackles, three interceptions and 14 passes broken up.
Jones came to Texas A&M in 2020 as a five-star prospect out of Cibolo Steele High School.
“Texas A&M and the 12th Man have been my rock from the time that I have arrived,” Jones wrote. “I have met so many amazing people that will always hold a special place in my heart. I have built so many relationships that will last a lifetime. I bleed Maroon & White to my core, and I am an AGGIE for life.”
He immediately distinguished himself and earned a place in the starting lineup. He posted six tackles in his collegiate debut, a 17-12 victory over Vanderbilt in 2020.
Jones completed his freshman season with 30 tackles, a tackle for loss, six passes broken up and an interception in a victory over LSU.
His best performance was in a 41-27 Orange Bowl victory over North Carolina in which he had two tackles, one for lost yardage and broke up two passes. One of the deflected passes denied North Carolina a touchdown.
As a sophomore in 2021, Jones was second on the team with eight passes broken up. That included interceptions in wins over Missouri and Auburn.
He also had 35 tackles, including one for lost yardage.
Injuries prevented Jones from playing the first two games of the 2022 season, but he started the remaining 10.
Jones posted 33 tackles, broke up two passes and recovered a fumble which he returned for two yards against Alabama.
Jones’ departure is a significant loss to the A&M secondary, which could lose senior safety Demani Richardson and All-American nickel back Antonio Johnson, who may also opt to enter the draft.
Earlier this week, backup cornerbacks Brian George and Denver Harris announced they were entering the transfer portal.
Two-year starter Tyreek Chappell will return at cornerback, so the competition to fill Jones’ open position — assuming none enter the transfer portal — figures to be between Deuce Harmon, Josh Moten, Marquis Groves-Killebrew, Smoke Bouie and Bobby Taylor.
