Rutgers continues to make moves in the transfer portal, and their latest addition could bring some serious juice to the secondary. Bradlee Jones, a defensive back out of The Citadel, is heading to Piscataway-and there’s a lot to like about what he brings to the table.
Let’s start with the production. Jones racked up 53 total tackles last season, with 41 of those coming solo.
He also defended eight passes, showing an ability to stay active and disruptive in coverage. Against Ole Miss-a team that made it all the way to the College Football Playoff semifinals-Jones held his own with five tackles and a pass breakup.
That kind of performance against top-tier competition is exactly what Rutgers needs as they gear up for another grind-it-out Big Ten campaign.
But it’s not just the stat sheet that’s turning heads. Former NFL scout Joe Bommarito sees real upside in Jones, highlighting his physical tools and technique.
According to Bommarito, Jones has “good size” and shows “good man cover skills.” That combination of length and coverage ability makes him a versatile piece who can line up in different spots across the secondary.
Bommarito also praised Jones for being a tough, fundamentally sound tackler who tracks the ball well and moves with speed.
Speaking of speed-Jones isn’t just quick, he’s track-fast. He clocked a 10.31 in the 100 meters during his college days, a number that jumps off the page and translates to real closing ability on the field. That kind of burst can be a difference-maker, especially in a conference where defensive backs are constantly tested by physical receivers and creative offensive schemes.
Rutgers has been aggressive in reshaping its secondary this offseason, and Jones is part of a broader effort to bring in experience and athleticism. Just this past week, they landed Kevyn Humes, a former Maryland and Boston College defensive back, adding more depth and competition to the room.
Jones, though, might be more than just a depth piece. In a 2024 game against a ranked Clemson squad, he logged six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass defended.
That’s impact production against a high-level opponent. It’s the kind of game that shows he’s not just capable-he’s ready for the stage.
Bommarito sees him as someone who could make an immediate impact on special teams and potentially carve out a role as a nickel back. “His change of direction is good.
Can put his foot in the ground and close,” Bommarito said. That quick-twitch ability, paired with his physicality, gives him a real shot to earn meaningful snaps in Rutgers’ defensive rotation.
Jones was a multi-year starter at The Citadel, and that experience matters. He’s battle-tested, disciplined, and brings a level of maturity that should help him transition to the Big Ten grind. Whether he ends up as a starter or a key rotational piece, Rutgers is getting a defensive back with upside, toughness, and a proven track record of making plays.
For a program looking to take the next step, these are the kind of additions that can quietly make a big difference.