FSU OL Keiondre Jones Was Comfortable Stepping In Against LSU During His Seminole Debut
Florida State football is officially back with a 45-24 statement win over the then-fifth-ranked LSU Tigers. The 'Noles are now No. 4 in the AP poll and have their first of six home games on Saturday against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.
READ MORE: How To Watch Florida State And Southern Miss
One thing that was extremely noticeable in Sunday’s game was the presence of transfers on the field. The combination of transfers as well as returning players created a lineup that was full of depth and the strength of that lineup really showed up against the Tigers.
One transfer who made an impact was redshirt junior offensive lineman Keiondre Jones, who transferred from Auburn at the end of the 2022 season. Jones replaced offensive guard D'Mitri Emmanual at right guard and was able to make a name for himself as a 'Nole in his debut.
“It was special,” Jones said regarding his debut. “Games like that are why you come to Florida State.”
While Jones and the rest of the team scored touchdown after touchdown in the second half, the first half was filled with “first game jitters” as Jones put it, with the Tigers leading 17-14 at halftime.
Once Jones took over in the second half, he was there to stay, playing most of the half. He noted that he felt comfortable on the field, as this wasn’t his first time playing LSU.
“It felt good, I felt pretty comfortable. It was my fourth or fifth time playing those boys, so I know a good bit about them," Jones said.
Despite not starting and knowing he may get limited snaps, Jones was ready for whatever came his way and entered the game with that mentality.
“Whenever I do get on that field I just try to take advantage of it and be there for my team," said Jones. “I’ve got a lot of balls under my belt so when the guys are out there on the field, I might not be out there but I can still watch and see their cues.”
In his four seasons at Auburn, Jones played in 36 games, with 22 starts. In the 2021 season, Jones was the only offensive lineman to start every game.
Now a Nole, Jones hopes to use his skills, not only as a player but as a leader and mentor as the Florida State Seminoles prepare to break the rock this Saturday against Southern Miss in Doak Campbell Stadium at 8:30 PM ET.
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