Greg Jones (linebacker, born 1988)

Greg Jones II (born October 5, 1988) is an American football linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He played college football for Michigan State University, and was a two-time All-American. The New York Giants selected him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he was a member of the Giants' Super Bowl championship team following the 2011 season.

Early years
Jones was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. He was a two-time All-Greater Catholic League and PrepStar's All-Midwest Team selection for coach Bob Crable. As a junior in 2005, he had 13 tackles for losses, including three sacks. As a senior in 2006 he had 71 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

Jones was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked as the 34th best outside linebacker in his class. Scout.com had him ranked as the 24th best strong side linebacker.

College career
Jones received an athletic scholarship to attend Michigan State University, where he played for the Michigan State Spartans football team from 2007 to 2010.

2007
As a true freshman in 2007, Jones was named a first-team Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News, CollegeFootballNews.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com. He led the Spartans with 78 tackles, becoming the first true freshman to lead the team in tackles since Dan Bass in 1976. The 78 tackles also ranked first among Big Ten freshmen. In his first career start, he had eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for losses against Northwestern. He also had four sacks.

2008
As a sophomore in 2008, Jones was named first-team All-Big Ten by the head coaches and second-team pick by the media. He was the first Spartan linebacker to earn All-Big ten first team since Josh Thornhill in 2001. Jones was also named to Collegefootballnews.com's all sophomore team. He was awarded Michigan State's Outstanding Underclass Back award. He started all 13 games, again leading the team in tackles with 127 and had two sacks.

2009
As a junior in 2009, Jones recorded 154 tackles and nine sacks and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. The 154 tackles led the team for the third straight year and was most in the Big Ten. Jones was also the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Spartan to earn the honor. He earned first team All-Big Ten for the second consecutive year.

2010
As a senior in 2010 Jones had 98 tackles, a sack and two interceptions. He was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection for the third consecutive year, and was recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American.

New York Giants
The New York Giants selected Jones in the sixth round (185th overall pick) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Jones became the Giants' starting middle linebacker after a season-ending injury to Jonathan Goff. He was waived on August 31, 2012.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Jones signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 12, 2012. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 24.