 "Photo: JASON GETZ / The Atlanta-Journal Constitution")
When the nation's top high school recruits decide which college will be their home for the next four years, they dream of winning seasons, conference titles and national championships.
Given the University of Southern California's impressive track record in recent history, that's exactly what linebacker Jarvis Jones thought he was getting into when he signed with the Trojans in 2009.
But when the NCAA imposed a two-year postseason ban on the university in June 2010 following an investigation into violations by USC's football and men's basketball programs, the four-star prospect began questioning his decision.
After a freshman campaign that left Jones sidelined for the Trojan's last five games with a sprained neck, the Columbus, Ga., native decided to return to his hometown team, where he now has the opportunity to fulfill that high school dream.
"Being at [USC], not being able to play anymore, it was a big drop-off for me," said Jones, who compiled 13 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, in eight games at USC. "It was kind of crazy not being there to play football anymore. Now that I've got the opportunity, I take advantage of it every time I step on the field, practice or in the game."
Jones, who was also recruited by LSU coach Les Miles, was forced to watch from the sideline again last season after completing his transfer.
The redshirt sophomore said he spent a full season observing and analyzing the game from the Southeastern Conference perspective, mastering his technique as well as the playbook.
It didn't take long for Jones to adjust to life in the SEC.
The 6-foot-3, 241-pounder has had a monster sophomore campaign, leading the conference with 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, and looking to wreak havoc on the rejuvenated Tiger offense.
"He is a very talented guy and very capable," Miles said. "We'll look forward to lining up against him and playing well, and you certainly have to know where he's at and what his abilities are. We'll try to run our offense and take care of wherever he's at."
Jones has been named one of six finalists for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's best linebacker.
His play has helped the Bulldogs jump from the No. 29 in total defense last season up to No. 5 this year.
The Bulldogs also rank No. 6 in the nation in rush defense, allowing just 94.75 yards per game, and No. 11 in pass defense, giving up 176.33 yards per game through the air.
"It's a tremendous challenge for us," said senior offensive guard Will Blackwell. "Any time a team focuses on stopping the run, we're going to try to make them take it. With a team as good as Georgia, it's going to be tough."
By the numbers, the defensive comparison between LSU and Georgia shows the schools are fairly similar.
The Tigers hold a slight advantage in scoring defense, total defense and sacks, while Georgia beats out LSU in interceptions, fumble recoveries and opponents' third-down conversions.
Between sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu's record-breaking season and the epic defensive duel against Alabama, LSU's defense has stolen the majority of the headlines this season.
Despite the contrasting styles of play between Georgia, which runs a base 3-4 defense, and LSU, which runs the traditional 4-3 defense, Jones said he believes the Bulldog D doesn't get the credit it deserves.
"Everybody praises LSU's defense, but I know we've got a pretty good defense," Jones said. "We're not cocky at all. We play just as well as them. A lot of people don't give us credit of how they play and how we play. I think our defense is just as good as theirs, if not better."
Jones' comments made their way to the Twitter world earlier in the week, being tweeted and retweeted throughout LSU's locker room.
Junior wide receiver Russell Shepard copied Jones' comments in a tweet, followed by, "Is this dude serious. This is #crazy".
Behind a sly smirk that crept across his face when the topic was brought up, senior linebacker Ryan Baker said the team isn't letting Jones' comments distract them from its preparations.
"I can understand where they're coming from," Baker said. "When we played Alabama weeks ago, we used that as a motivational factor to prove ourselves. Those guys are the underdogs and they're looking for any chip on their shoulder to get them motivated to play, and I'm all for it."
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Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com
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