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Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats just picked up a major commitment from Ole Miss transfer Jacquez Jones, arguably the best player currently in the transfer portal.
It was looking like the Cats would once again have a stout defense, but it was going to be a little light at linebacker. That is no longer the case with the addition of Jones.
Set to be a true senior in 2021, Jones has been a key part of the Ole Miss defense the past three seasons. Last year, he led the Rebels in tackles with 75 and 2.5 being for loss. In 2019, the 6-foot linebacker racked up 71 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Last week, the SEC removed the rule that previously required interconference transfers to sit out a season, meaning Jones will be able to play this season.
Mark Stoops and his staff have been on a roll in recruiting, and the addition of Jones is massive for the upcoming season.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the news.
New Chapter In My Story pic.twitter.com/EYnwvlvkn2
— Jacquez Jones (@ESPN_Jac) June 10, 2021
Jacquez Jones picks KENTUCKY #BBN #WeAreUK https://t.co/gSt8mHcP9i
— A Sea of Blue (@ASeaOfBlue) June 10, 2021
Welcome to #BBN, Jacquez Jones! @ESPN_Jac #ForTheTeam https://t.co/g08KIg5Myq
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) June 10, 2021
Mark Stoops on Jacquez Jones:
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) June 10, 2021
"We are thrilled to add Jacquez to our team. He’s an experienced playmaker who has been a great leader in our league."
Nice transfer pickup for Kentucky, landing Ole Miss LB Jacquez Jones. The Rebels' leading tackler was a surprise portal entrant last month.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) June 10, 2021
Mark Stoops showing up to Atlanta for the SEC Championship in December: pic.twitter.com/9WMrlbohow
— Dal (@dalsweatshirt) June 10, 2021
Always nice when you don’t have to change your conference tattoo. https://t.co/86MRVTO3FV
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) June 10, 2021
Former Ole Miss linebacker Jacquez Jones has announced he is transferring to Kentucky. Had 182 tackles in 33 games for the Rebels in his career. He will be immediately eligible and have two seasons left to play.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) June 10, 2021
The one position the Cats really needed help has been addressed with an SEC starter that led his team in tackles. That’s how you do it. https://t.co/c8bZHU5MDF
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) June 10, 2021
Ole Miss transfer Jacquez Jones has committed to Kentucky. HUGE addition this late in the game.
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) June 10, 2021
Former @OleMissFB LB has announced he will transfer to @UKFootball per his social media.
— The Jboy Show (@thejboyshow) June 10, 2021
Kentucky is racking up and that’s why I have them finishing 2nd in the East this year. pic.twitter.com/26BLmC4wSa
Kentucky football keeping it rolling
— . (@abolition_now) June 10, 2021
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) June 10, 2021
Legit just got chills about this season!!! https://t.co/32fqTyaDfz
— Amber Stephenson (@ambercrum209) June 10, 2021
86 days until Kentucky football
— Everything Kentucky Football (@everythingkyfb) June 10, 2021
Jacquez Jones totaled 169 tackles in three seasons for Ole Miss and playing for @CoachJonSumrall, was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2018.
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) June 10, 2021
Welcome to the Bluegrass, big dawg. Leading tackler for the Ole Miss Rebels in 2020 is heading to Lexington! #BBN https://t.co/VLiisEZzg8
— Kash Daniel (@KashDaniel15) June 10, 2021
I think the only way the Jones transfer happens for UK is DeAndre Square making sure everybody knows its right for the team. Leadership and culture matter in things like this. Big get for Jon Sumrall
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) June 10, 2021
How's this for returning production?
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) June 10, 2021
Paschal: 85 tckl, 12.5 non-sack TFL, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Square: 164 tckl, 8 non-sack TFL, 2 FF
Corker: 159 tckl, 3 INT, 6 PBU
Jones: 182 tckl, 10 non-sack TFL, 2.5 sck, 3 FF
Wright: 76 tckl, 6.5 sck, 6 PBU, 4 FF
Ajian: 75 tckl, 3 INT
Jacquez Jones is a threat to be reckoned with on the field @ESPN_Jac pic.twitter.com/dDfcUdbbOg
— Cats Coverage (@CatsCoverage_) June 10, 2021
I think the only way the Jones transfer happens for UK is DeAndre Square making sure everybody knows its right for the team. Leadership and culture matter in things like this. Big get for Jon Sumrall
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) June 10, 2021
Let’s Get To Work Coach ‼️ #LBU https://t.co/bFQsXYUyxU
— Jacquez Jones (@ESPN_Jac) June 10, 2021
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