Ohio State loses linebacker to transfer

A school spokesman confirmed Jones has left the team Tuesday morning amid a report from InsideMDSports the linebacker from Maryland is going back to his home state.

Jones, a four-star recruit from Olney Good Counsel High School, was once committed to the Terrapins, but he and quarterback Dwayne Haskins both flipped to Ohio State prior to National Signing Day in 2016.

Haskins stepped into a starting role last season and became a star, breaking Big Ten records and winning the conference MVP award before deciding to enter the NFL draft with two years of eligibility remaining, but Jones has not broken into the lineup yet.

Jones had 10 tackles, including a sack, and blocked a punt last season for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State returns all three starting linebackers from last season — Malik Harrison, Tuf Borland and Pete Werner — with 2018 Ohio Mr. Football Cade Stover coming in and the 2018 freshmen class having received much praise from the coaching staff.