Football: UL transfer Jones declared academically eligible, cleared to play

Tim Buckley, The Advertiser, August 28, 2012

 Linebacker Delvin Jones (7) chases a play during the scrimmage at Cajun Field on August 11. / Paul Kieu/ The Advertiser

Transfer linebacker Delvin Jones is academically eligible and clear to play in Saturday night’s 2012 season-opener vs. Lamar, UL coach Mark Hudspeth said after practice tonight.

The Ragin’ Cajuns had every expectation Jones would be good to go, but they waited a few weeks before recently receiving word.

“I know he’s excited,” Hudspeth said, “and so are we.”

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Jones is a transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College who played for Ole Miss as a freshman in 2010.

He’s been battling Dominque Tovell, who was named UL’s starter at Bandit outside linebacker coming out of spring drills, since preseason camp opened Aug. 2.

If he doesn’t start against Lamar, Jones – known as pass-rushing threat – is expected to play extensively anyway.

Hudspeth also said tonight that he hopes to have transfer defensive lineman Jalen Fields, a former Georgia signee who has been out due to gall bladder surgery, “full speed first of next week.”

There is no certain timetable, however, for when Fields will make his Cajun debut.