Demello Jones Has Assumed Starting Cornerback Role
The Georgia junior earned a full-time defensive position following the departure of Daylen Everette.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football
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Georgia defensive back Demello Jones has moved into a starting cornerback role for the 2026 season. Jones earned his first career start during the team's season opener against Tennessee State.
Why it matters
Jones secured a permanent position in the secondary due to his continued growth and maturity as an upperclassman. His promotion follows the departure of former starter Daylen Everette to the professional ranks.
During his 2025 sophomore campaign, Jones recorded 25 tackles and five pass breakups across 12 games. His 2026 performance includes a career-high six tackles against Arkansas and a 43-yard interception return in a 70-20 win over Western Kentucky.
The players
Demello Jones
He is a junior defensive back for the Georgia Bulldogs who hails from Swainsboro, Georgia.
Daylen Everette
He is a former Georgia cornerback who departed the team to pursue a career in the NFL.
The details
Jones arrived at the university as a recruit in 2024 and transitioned from a sophomore role player to a primary starter this year. His high school background includes significant offensive contributions, having tallied 1,200 rushing yards prior to his collegiate career.
Timeline
Demello Jones arrived at Georgia as a recruit in 2024.
Jones appeared in 12 games as a sophomore during the 2025 season.
Jones made his first career start in the 2026 season opener.
Jones recorded six tackles against Arkansas in September 2026.
Jones faces Vanderbilt on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The Big Picture
This promotion follows the Georgia Bulldogs football program's established pattern of replacing departing NFL talent with developed internal reserves. Jones now serves as a key component of a defense tasked with maintaining the team's historical standards of excellence.
Jones has solidified his position in the defensive backfield for upcoming SEC matchups, including the game against Vanderbilt. His increased playing time and production provide a new variable for defensive schemes and secondary rotation depth.
The takeaway
Jones represents the successful transition of a high school athlete into a core contributor at the collegiate level. His development highlights the importance of maturity and tactical growth in securing a starting role within a competitive secondary.
Further reading
For more on the Bulldogs, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Red and Black.
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