Ohio State lineman Matthew Jones looking forward to facing Georgia’s Jalen Carter

ATLANTA — The highlight gained’t be new to Matthew Jones.

Two years in the past, he made the second begin of his profession within the School Soccer Playoff. Saturday night time, the fifth-year senior could have a good more durable job, serving to Ohio State decelerate Georgia famous person lineman Jalen Carter, one of many high defensive gamers within the nation and a projected high NFL draft choose.

“He’s an excellent participant; he does all the things explosive. Total, he’s nice. I do sit up for [facing him],” mentioned Jones, a Brooklyn native and the Buckeyes’ beginning proper guard. “It’s a giant alternative. I maintain myself to a excessive degree, and simply do what I gotta do to execute. I’m going to provide it my all.”

Jones feels he’s prepared for the problem, after working towards totally for the previous few weeks. He suffered what offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson termed a sprained proper foot on Nov. 19 and missed the loss to Michigan. In keeping with Professional Soccer Focus, Jones has performed 658 snaps this season for the Buckeyes, with a grade of 77.9, and hasn’t given up any sacks.

“Since I’ve had time to truly get better and do what I needed to do within the couple weeks that we had, I really feel nice,” he mentioned.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Jones is a rarity within the playoff, the lone New York Metropolis native who’s beginning for one of many 4 groups. The previous top-100 recruit out of Erasmus Corridor takes satisfaction in that.

“It’s a blessed alternative,” he mentioned. “Not everyone has an opportunity that I’ve now. I’ve to reap the benefits of it. Simply having the chance to be right here and to be valued as a starter and as an vital participant on the group, it actually means loads.”

The standing of two Georgia offensive starters, huge receiver Ladd McConkey and proper sort out Warren McClendon, is unsure. Each gamers suffered knee accidents within the SEC Championship sport on Dec. 3.

“We’ll see Saturday,” Georgia coach Kirby Good mentioned, when requested about their standing. “Hopeful to get each of them on the market and hopeful each of them can play.”

Neither participant would surrender a lot concerning their progress, deferring the inquiries to Good. McConkey is second on the Bulldogs in receptions with 51 for 675 yards and 5 touchdowns. McClendon has began 37 straight video games for Georgia.