Former Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones, who’s considered one of the top 10 prospects in the NFL draft, will not workout at the NFL scouting combine, according to his representative.
The NFL combine started today and runs through next Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jones, who projects to defensive end in the NFL, is focusing on preparing for Georgia’s Pro Day, which is set for March 21.
"Jarvis Jones from Georgia, now that's a good football player," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "He is an impact, explosive football player, and he's ready to play now."
There are some medical issues regarding stenosis in Jones’ back.
“If he checks out medically, he's a top 10 player, and hopefully an impact player,” Mayock said.
By not working out, Jones may not feel that he’s in top flight condition to perform for the 32 teams and may need more time.
“Unfortunately, there is nothing he can do to alleviate the medical concerns,” Mayock said. “He either has stenosis or he doesn't, and it's either continuing to narrow his spine or it isn't. Coming out of the combine in a month or so, we'll have a better idea of that when teams begin to share all that medical information.”
Jones, a 6-3, 241-pound native of Columbus, was a two-time consensus All-American and recorded 28 sacks in his two seasons with the Bulldogs.
He played in 26 games over his two seasons with Georgia, starting all of them. He finished his career with 28 sacks. Jones also recorded 44 tackles for loss of 235 yards, 155 total tackles, nine forced fumbles and an interception during his time as a Bulldog.
Jones, a 2012 consensus First Team All-American, led the nation in tackles for loss (24.5 for loss of 132 yards) and forced fumbles (seven). He was third on the Bulldogs with 85 tackles and added an interception and two fumble recoveries in 12 games played this season (Jones was injured for two of Georgia’s 14 games).
Jones joined the Bulldogs as a scout team member in 2010 after transferring from Southern California. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 2011 after leading the SEC in sacks (13.5) and tackles for loss (19.5) and piling up 70 tackles in 14 games.
The 2013 NFL draft is April 25-27.
