Mike Jones Jr. explains how new LSU staff will make the biggest difference in 2022

On3 imageby:Steve Samra06/29/22

SamraSource

LSU linebacker Mike Jones Jr. is recognizing the differences in the Tigers through their coaching staff change.

As Ed Orgeron and company went out, in came former Notre Dame leader Brian Kelly and his staff. Joining Billy Embody on The Bengal Tiger Podcast, the Tigers linebacker spoke about how the team’s new staff will make the biggest difference in 2022.

“I think a lot of things are going to tie into our success,” started Jones. “The way we prepare. Coach House, man — he’s done a great job of installing our defense. Me being the “Mike” linebacker, I’ve gotten to get into his head a little bit. I know he’s going to prepared for everything we’re going to see. He’s going to make sure we’re prepared, too. With that, the attention to detail, the ability to get all of those little things so you can go out there and execute. That’s one thing Coach Kelly has been harping on since he got into the programs and started with us. So, I think all these things will tie in.

“They both do a great thing of emphasizing what’s important to do to them. Emphasizing whats going to help us win. Emphasizing the difference between some of the things you may have done in the past, and the things that we’re going to do now. I think all of that will tie into the way we play ball this year.”

As you can see, the change in leadership is already paying dividends for the Tigers. If Mike Jones Jr. is correct, LSU could be on the way back to being a feared program in the SEC quicker than anyone could’ve expected.

Mike Jones Jr. provides his thoughts on LSU summer workouts under Brian Kelly

Heading into his second season with the LSU Tigers, former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. joined the Bengal Tiger podcast to chat about Brian Kelly, Matt House, spring football and summer workouts.

“Summer’s going great. Coach (Jake) Flint and the whole weight staff have us in their grinding day in and day out. I feel like that summer grind is when you really make a team, a team. Getting ready for fall camp and the season,” Jones said.

“Coach Flint always brings the energy. He’s very intentional about our exercises. The whole staff is really great. They’re going to be a big reason why we play well this year. They focus on accountability.”

In 10 games played last season, Jones tallied a career-high 34 tackles with 14 solo and a sack. In his first three seasons at Clemson, including a redshirt year, he posted 46 tackles. With Kelly and House revamping the defense, the Tennessee native has every opportunity to step up for more reps in 2022.