LSU linebacker and Jesuit alumnus Deion Jones ’12. Photo courtesy LSU Athletics.

Jesuit football fans are cheering for Deion Jones ’12 again. The popular Blue Jay linebacker with the infectious smile and playful personality was picked by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday, April 29. He was the 52nd overall selection.

Jones, better known  as “Debo,” is a 6-foot-1, 222 linebacker who played primarily on special teams at LSU before moving into a starter’s role in 2015. He led the team in tackles his senior season and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to college football’s top linebacker.

Jones’s meteoric rise surprised draft experts. “He wasn’t even on the radar going into the 2015 season,” said ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. immediately following the pick.

It took just a single season for Jones to make his mark with pro scouts. Then he impressed observers at the Senior Bowl and wowed coaches and scouts with his blazing speed at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and at LSU’s pro day. Jones was the first Tiger taken in this year’s draft.

Deion Jones ’12 intercepts a pass in a 2012 game against Archbishop Rummel.

Before heading to Baton Rouge, Jones was a fan favorite at Jesuit, helping the Jays make numerous playoff runs and, on occasion, lining up as a receiver in goal line situations, every defensive player’s dream.

It’s doubtful that the news will convert any Saints fans to Falcons fanatics, except for perhaps Jones’s family. However, there is little doubt that Blue Jay fans will be rooting for at least one very deserving Dirty Bird.

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