Mikel

Jones

Jones (6'1/218) was named to the Bednarik Award watch list after also being named to the Butkus Award watch list and Nagurski Trophy watch list. The former 2019 commit was named First-Team All-ACC for his efforts last season when he totaled 70 tackles, 19 quarterback pressures and three sacks while earning a PFF grade of 75.6. Jones was eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, but opted to return for the 2022 season.

The Orange will get their defensive captain back for another season as Jones (6'1"/218) will command the defense for one more year. He led the team with 109 tackles and was a force on the defensive line as Syracuse ranked 28th in rushing defense this season. His draft stock was already in a good position, but he’ll make it better with one more season.

The Orange received three commitments on Friday, and with all due respect to the other players who pledged to Syracuse, the best of these is Jones. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound linebacker plays at IMG Academy in Florida, and he’s rated the 19th best outside linebacker in 247 Sports composite rankings. It’s the first four-star commitment for Syracuse according to the website, and their class still ranks just 13th in the ACC in the 247 Sports class rankings.