Losing Derwin James (3) is a big blow to FSU. Photo Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State free safety Derwin Jones underwent surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his knee and will miss 2-6 weeks, according to Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher.
The 6-foot-3, 211-pound Jones is a versatile playmaker rated as the No. 2 sophomore strong safety prospect in the nation by NFLDraftScout.com, behind only Michigan redshirt sophomore Jabrill Peppers.
Fisher said Jones did not suffer any structural damage and the timetable for his return will become more clear after learning what the doctors saw during the surgery.
Jones registered 91 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, with 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a true freshman in 2015. He recorded his first career interception in the season-opening victory over Ole Miss.
The Seminoles’ next game is at No. 10 Louisville on Saturday, with sophomore AJ Westbrook and senior Nate Andrews in line to see more playing time with James out. The Seminoles rank last among Power 5 schools in completions of 20-plus yards allowed through two weeks, while Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson enters this week’s game ranked eighth nationally in passing yards and third in rushing.
