Broderick Jones announces new number, plan to honor Devin Willock in NFL
Former Georgia offensive lineman Broderick Jones found his new home last night. He’s also found a new number.
Taken No. 14 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones met with members of the media in Pittsburgh on Friday – the day after the draft. He announced he’ll be wearing No. 77 with the Steelers to honor his Georgia teammate Devin Willock who passed away in January after a tragic crash that took the lives of both Willock and UGA football staffer Chandler LeCroy.
“Yeah so, my roommate at the University of Georgia, he wore 77, Devin Willock, the one that passed away in the crash, they told me the number was available and I just wanted to show my respects by taking that number and letting him live through me.”
Willock played in all 15 games last season for Georgia, starting two including the Bulldogs’ big win over then-No. 1 ranked Tennessee. That came at left guard for Xavier Truss, right beside Jones at left tackle. Willock also started two weeks later against Kentucky, that time at right guard in place of an injured Tate Ratledge.
It’s far from the first effort that Willock’s teammates have made to keep his spirit with them. Georgia has taken up the motto of “Do It For Dev” and several members of the offensive line got tattoos to memorialize their fallen teammate. Amarius Mims’ drew attention on social media shortly after Willock’s death.
The Steelers traded up to No. 14 from their original spot at No. 17 to get ahead of the New York Jets who were also in the market for an offensive tackle. They took Jones in their upgrades spot.
“He’s an extremely talented guy. We’re excited about him really at every step of the process. Had dinner with him the night before the Pro Day, had a chance to spend time with him in his environment,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said about Jones after the draft. “It was interesting. I was in Athens a year ago and took a group of his former teammates out 12 months ago. I said, ‘Give me a name we’re going to be back for in 12 months.’ Universally, Broderick’s name was the name we got 12 months ago. That was the first time I had really heard his name. In investigating him, I can see why they held him in such high regard. He’s a really good player right now, but the upside is tremendous. He’s a diaper dandy. We’re excited about getting him in the fold and teaching him and letting himself sort himself out. The division of labor will be decided during the team process, but make no mistake, we’re excited about having a young man of his talent.”
Jones started 15 games for Georgia this past season at left tackle. A former five-star prospect out of Lithonia, Ga., Jones took the place of Jamaree Salyer who was drafted last year and started 14 games for the Los Angeles Chargers as a rookie.
