Two of Georgia football’s pass rushers announce transfer destinations
Marvin Jones Jr. hasn’t found the same success his father did in his first two years, but was a solid contributor for the Bulldogs. He totaled
Jones’ father, Marvin Jones Sr. played for Florida State from 1990 to 1992 and was a top linebacker. He was selected in the first round with the fourth pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New York Jets and played until 2003.
In his time with the Seminoles, Jones won the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Jack Lambert Trophy all in 1992, which are given to the best overall defensive player and linebacker in college football. Jones was also a two-time All-American in 1991 and 1992, was named Sporting News’ College Football Player of the Year in 1992 and was most recently selected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Marvin Jones Jr. hasn’t found the same success his father did in his first two years, but was a solid contributor for the Bulldogs. He totaled 12 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble in 2023. He finishes his Georgia career with 16 tackles and two sacks alongside the forced and recovered fumble.
The Sunrise, Florida, native was one of the top prospects in the 2022 class. The former five-star was rated as the second-best edge rusher, the fifth-best player out of Florida and the 21st-ranked prospect in the entire class according to 247Sports. Jones, as a transfer, was rated as the fourth-best edge and 20th-best player in the portal.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound pass rusher showcased a tremendous amount of athleticism alongside a great frame during his time with the Bulldogs. However, Jones — whether due to injuries that he suffered during his freshman year or for other reasons — never hit his potential with Georgia. But now, he has a chance to do so alongside Georgia’s upcoming Orange Bowl opponent.
The Seminoles went undefeated this season, including in the ACC Championship. With top edge Jared Verse off to the NFL, Jones could be the perfect player to replace him when he joins the team after this season in 2024.
Smith also left the state, but unlike Jones, stuck around in the SEC after he announced his transfer to Missouri on Wednesday.
Smith, who was one of the first players to enter the portal from the Bulldogs, has found his new home in Columbia, Missouri. Smith, like Jones, struggled to meet his full potential with Georgia, but may find success with another top team in the SEC.
Smith was a top 150 player in the 2022 class and was the 14th-best edge and 15th-best player in Georgia according to 247Sports. Smith was the 11th-best edge and 103rd overall player in the transfer portal according to 247Sports.
Smith was expected to take a jump in his second year, but after he stepped away from the team for a short time, Smith’s playing time fell off. Smith never registered a sack in his time with the Bulldogs, but did register five tackles this season and nine in his career as a Bulldog.
Missouri, who runs a slightly different defense than the Bulldogs, will likely see Smith play more defensive end than outside linebacker. Smith’s addition could help alleviate the loss of sack leader and graduate Darius Robinson for the Tigers, and the rising third year could finally hit the potential that he had when he came to Georgia.
