Bryan Harsin addresses what Jayson Jones has brought to Auburn roster from Oregon back to his home state
Auburn hit the transfer portal hard this offseason, especially after Mario Cristobal left the Oregon program. Two former Ducks are now on the Plains despite being from the state of Alabama. Quarterback Robby Ashford and defensive lineman Jayson Jones are now back home playing for the Tigers.
Head coach Bryan Harsin recently spoke on Jones and what he’s bringing back to the Auburn roster, with the measurables being the main thing. Some of the things he does off the football field are the main reason Harsin believes Jones is going to have a huge impact this season.
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“Jason, when you look at him he’s 6’6, 328 pounds,” Harsin said. “He brings size. That’s No. 1. He brings length to that side of the ball. Jason is one of my favorite guys. He’s highly intelligent, he works very hard, he’s very coachable. I think he’s really gone out there and prepared himself to play. Just from what I have seen with his whole process, it’s been very good.
“I think that’s why he’s going to be out there playing No. 1 — why I think he’s going to go out there and play well too. He just has that mentality of getting himself prepared to go out there and play the way he needs to.”
Jayson Jones back in Auburn to play for Harsin
Coming out of high school, Jones was one of the top players in the state of Alabama. He was a huge recruiting win for Oregon at the time. Auburn did send out an offer during his original recruitment. However, it was under the old regime with Gus Malzhan.
With a coaching change up in the Pacific Northwest, Harsin and his staff were able to take advantage and bring Jones home.
Not playing as a true freshman, Jones got snaps as a redshirt freshman last season. He recorded 19 tackles and two sacks in 13 appearances for Oregon. Auburn will be hoping similar results can come in their defense, where a huge bounceback season is needed.
Jones is going to see the field, there’s no doubt about it. Harsin is loving what he’s seeing from the third-year player throughout fall camp. Now, it’s time to put it all together, beginning with Mercer on Saturday.