Keandre Jones' Breakout Season is Worth Watching for NFL Scouts
After three years as a reserve linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Keandre Jones transferred to the University of Maryland and is having a breakout season.
He was a four-star recruit coming out of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland. He was ranked the No. 9 outside linebacker in the country as a prospect and was ranked the fourth-best prospect from the state of Maryland. It is very interesting to note that Maryland and Ohio State were his top two choices for colleges to play for. Both him and his friend, now Washington Redskins quarterback, Dwayne Haskins initially committed to the Terps in 2016 before changing their minds to play for Ohio State.
Haskins did not remain a backup for long as a Buckeye after J.T. Barrett finished his last year of football eligibility in 2017. Not only did Haskins become the starter by default but he also had a breakout season with 4,831 passing yards and 50 touchdown passes. He went on to declare for the NFL Draft and became the 15th overall selection by the Redskins this past April.
Jones was stuck in the numbers game as a Buckeye. He was backup to Malik Harrison and now NFL linebacker Jerome Baker. With Jones' transfer to Maryland, he was finally able to be a starter and to showcase his talent. This season, he leads the Terps in tackles-for-loss (12) and sacks (seven). As a senior, the 6-foot-3 220-pound linebacker has been the most consistent Terrapin on their defense. With two more games to go, he has a good chance at increasing his already impressive statistics.
NFL scouts should check him out as he hopes to solidify his chances at being a draft pick in the 2020 draft next April.
