COLUMBUS — The Buckeyes finally received some good news on the offensive line front, as starting right guard Matt Jones announced his return to Ohio State for the 2023 season.
One day after starting left tackle Paris Johnson and starting center Luke Wypler announced their respective decisions to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, Jones has decided to do the opposite and return for a sixth and final season with the Buckeyes.
Jones came to Ohio State from Brooklyn, New York as the top center in the 2018 class, but has played mostly guard throughout his career. He was the starter at right guard this past season for the Buckeyes, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors despite playing with an injury for most of the year.
As a part-time starter and reserve in 2021, he impressed enough to earn Honorable Mention All-Big Ten accolades. Jones has been a valuable member of the offensive line depth throughout most of his career and has been reliable and effective when called upon.
While Jones has spent most of his career at guard, he has also been a backup center for much of his career. With the departure of Luke Wypler to the NFL, Jones could slide over to center for the Buckeyes, giving them tremendous experience at a very critical position.
The move would also allow Jones to show the NFL how versatile he can be all over the interior of the line, especially when he is healthy.
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