Jones patiently waiting for his time to shine

Mike Jones Jr.’s first play on defense for Clemson in the game against South Carolina last Saturday was a memorable one for the redshirt freshman linebacker.

On fourth-and-2 from South Carolina’s 33-yard line in the fourth quarter, Jones broke up a pass from Ryan Hilinski to Shi Smith and forced a turnover on downs.

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables believes that play is big for the confidence of Jones moving forward.

“Mike works hard,” Venables said. “I coach Mike really, really hard because I know what’s in the future. He’s a talented young guy that has a chance to be a really good player. I coach him hard, and to see him get out there and make a really good play against one of…