Ole Miss linebacker Jacquez Jones will visit Kentucky

One of the top talents in the transfer portal is nearing a decision. If all goes well this week, the Wildcats could add a new linebacker to the roster.

KSR has learned that Jacquez Jones will be in Lexington Tuesday to visit Kentucky’s campus. Matt Zenitz, the SEC’s top transfer portal reporter from Al.com, reported over the weekend that the Wildcats are the frontrunner for Jones. South Carolina is Kentucky’s top competition, while Liberty, UCLA and West Virginia are also in the mix.

Jones led the Rebels in tackles last season with 75, good enough to tie for 18th in the SEC. As a true freshman in 2018 he was coached by Jon Sumrall, who now serves as the Wildcats’ co-defensive coordinator. Sumrall’s inside linebacking room is thin following the unexpected departure of Jamin Davis and D’Eryk Jackson’s season-ending injury during spring practice.

When weighing his options, Jones no longer has the intra-conference transfer rule deterring him from joining another SEC program. South Carolina can guarantee playing time in year one, where as at UK he will have to compete for snaps with a few former four-star recruits, Jared Casey and true freshman Trevin Wallace. Jones’ experience with Sumrall might make Lexington the most attractive option. This week’s visit will determine if Jones is the right fit for what Kentucky needs on defense.