Maryland received a huge boost to their linebacker position. Head coach Mike Locksley announced Friday that Ohio State transfer Keandre Jones has received a waiver from the NCAA, allowing him to be eligible to play in 2019.
Jones starred at Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland and originally committed to Maryland in 2016 as a four-star recruit. However, he reconsidered following the firing of then-head coach Randy Edsall, as his commitment was tied to his relationship with Locksley. Once Locksley was out, Jones opted for Ohio State.
In three seasons at Ohio State, Jones was relegated to special teams. He appeared in 19 games collecting 29 tackles.
Jones entered the transfer protocol after the 2018 season, choosing to transfer to Maryland as Locksley returned as the head coach.
At Maryland, Jones is projected to assume a larger role as a starter alongside Clemson transfer Shaq Smith.
“Originally being here, this is where Iām comfortable,ā Jones told 247Sports during the spring. āI was fortunate to be able to have an opportunity to come back with coach Locksley which was a huge opportunity for me. It was really a no-brainer once I put my name in that transfer portal. This is home. Coming back home was a big opportunity for me to come back and be around my family, friends and loved ones.ā
