By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ernest Jones, the eighth ranked outside linebacker prospect in the state of Georgia, according to 247 Sports, has announced his college decision.

Ernest Jones, the eighth ranked outside linebacker prospect in the state of Georgia, according to 247 Sports, has committed to South Carolina.

Jones, a Ware County (GA.) native, announced his decision on Friday night, surrounded by friends and family, to become the Gamecocks’ sixth commitment in the class of 2018.

Prior to the decision, Jones had trimmed his 15 school offer list to four contenders — Duke, Georgia Tech, Florida, and South Carolina.

There was some pressure to go to Atlanta to reunite with another Ware County Gator, and one of the better running backs in the ACC, Dedrick Mills, at Georgia Tech.

“People have tried to get me to go to Georgia Tech to build off Dedrick’s legacy,” Jones acknowledged, “but I decided I want to make my own legacy and go somewhere that no one out of Ware County has ever gone.”

It didn’t take long for South Carolina to leave a lasting impression.

“I took my very first visit there and after I saw the program and how the football team practiced, I just fell in love with it,” Jones said. “I felt like that’s where I needed to be. It felt like home.”

In Jones, Will Muschamp and company are getting a well-rounded, explosive athlete with a nose for the ball and a heart and passion for the game the size of Williams-Brice Stadium.

“Coach Muschamp compared me to (Jarrad) Davis who he recruited when he was at Florida,” Jones beamed.

That guy that Jones is drawing comparisons to was just the 21st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

“That sounds good to me,” he quipped.

More impressive than any shared physical traits between the two south Georgia standouts, are the off-the-field similarities.

Jones told the Southern Pigskin Radio Network, “I’m a vocal leader, but I demonstrate through my actions, too. At the beginning of the game, I’m pumped — I’m ready to destroy anything that comes in my path.”

His unceasing thirst for competition and willingness to do whatever it take to win makes him a coaches’ dream.

“I love football, period. If they need me to come in as a freshman and play on every special teams unit, I’m willing to do it to earn my spot on the team.”

However, by that same token, Jones will work to become an immediate impact player, in Columbia.

“I’m going to go in there as a freshman and compete for a starting job,” said Jones. “The linebacker position is open, but nothing’s ever promised, so I’m going to go in there and do whatever I have to do to earn the starting position so I can take care of family one day.

“You’re getting the hardest worker you’ll ever see. I’m going to be a defensive leader. In my time at South Carolina, we’ll be winning a couple of championships, three or four, maybe.”

Those are big words from a big talent. South Carolina has some work to do if that is to come to fruition, but if there’s anyone that is willing to do that dirty work, it’s Ernest Jones.