FORMER BUCKEYES LINEBACKER KEANDRE JONES, NOW STARRING ON MARYLAND'S DEFENSE, EXCITED FOR RETURN TRIP TO OHIO STADIUM
Keandre Jones will play one more game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
The former Ohio State linebacker, who transferred to Maryland in January after three years in Columbus, will be back in the Shoe this weekend – but this time playing against the Buckeyes – as the scarlet and gray host the Terrapins for this year’s game between the Big Ten East foes.
It’s a game Jones has been looking forward to all year long.
“I’ve had this game marked since I transferred from Ohio State,” Jones said. “Nothing personal. I’m still friends with a lot of those guys. The relationship is still good between all of us. And I’m excited, anxious to get out there. Being in front of the Ohio State fans, too, it’s a great opportunity for me, to my career, finishing up where I started.”
After playing only sparingly on defense in his three seasons at Ohio State, in which he never started a game for the Buckeyes, Jones has been one of Maryland’s most productive defensive players this season. A starting outside linebacker in the Terrapins’ 3-4 defense, Jones has recorded 45 total tackles and leads the team with 11 total tackles and six sacks this season. He has also recorded three pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Beyond his play on the field, Maryland head coach Mike Locksley has also been impressed with the character that Jones – who was known for his positive energy and work ethic during his Ohio State career – has brought to College Park.
“I think Keandre, the one thing that he’s shown throughout his career – and I’ve known him since eighth grade, ninth grade having recruited him – is he’s been really mature beyond his years,” Locksley said in his press conference at Maryland this week. “The leadership he’s brought to this program, obviously I think is a direct reflection of what he’s learned or the experiences he’s had at a place like Ohio State, and so it’s been great to have that here in our locker room, and for our younger players to utilize him as a resource for how you approach the game, how you approach practice, how you approach school and all the areas that you need to.”
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