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Georgia CB Demello Jones' roots shape play: 'I come from South Georgia'

Jeremy Johnsonby: Jeremy Johnson10/26/25JeremyO_Johnson
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Georgia defensive back Demello Jones (15) during Georgia’s game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Al., on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. (Conor Dillon/UGAAA)

Georgia sophomore cornerback Demello Jones has made his presence felt in 2025. Jones hasn’t taken a full-time job as a starter in Georgia’s secondary yet, but he’s playing a key role rotating with fellow sophomore Ellis Robinson IV.

Jones has also played inside at the nickel position this season.

Jones’ physicality has immediately grabbed the attention of Georgia’s coaching staff. It’s also shown up on the statsheet.

Jones has already tallied 14 tackles in his role. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised Jones’ physicality after a late play in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs’ win over Ole Miss.

“Yeah, he’s strong, physical, and heavy-handed,” Smart told reporters on Tuesday. “He does well in man-to-man situations. He has the confidence to put his hands on people and cover them, a really good basketball player in high school. He’s growing and developing as a corner. He’s growing and developing as a nickel cover guy. He’s very open to being uncomfortable in learning, which I think is important in that position. He’s only the tip of the iceberg of what he can learn to play inside. He’s been developing outside. But he continues to grow and get better.”

Demello Jones’ roots come with physicality

Jones believes his roots and the physicality that he was raised with have helped him quickly adjust to being a physical cornerback in Georgia’s defense.

“So I come from, like, South Georgia, and that’s where the real football’s at. It’s what’s in me.”

Jones has also watched a lot of Kamari Lassiter and Amarius Mims, who had a similar reputation in Athens. They both also come from the southern portion of the Peach State.

“The ones I keep a close eye on are defense, probably Kamari (Lassiter) or (Amarius) Mims,” Jones said. “He’s from, like, my area, so I keep up with them, too, the most probably. Of course, Malaki, but no, like, it’s good seeing those guys do good in the NFL. Just coming from this organization, they’re dogs, so I know I’ve got the chance to do that.”

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