Story by
Why Ma’Khi Jones Will Be Smartest Addition to Noles’ Defense
- Story by
- Why Ma’Khi Jones Will Be Smartest Addition to Noles’ Defense
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Florida State' s secondary needed more than talent this offseason.
It needed experience, versatility and players who understand what winning football looks like.
That is exactly what the Seminoles believe they found in transfer safety Ma'Khi Jones.
Advertisement
Jones arrives in Tallahassee after helping Duke capture the program's first ACC Championship last season, bringing with him 305 defensive snaps and a reputation as one of the Blue Devils' most dependable defensive backs.
While he wasn't the flashiest player statistically, his tape and Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades suggest a safety capable of fitting seamlessly into defensive coordinator Tony White's aggressive, interchangeable system.
That versatility is what attracted Jones to Florida State in the first place.
"I like how versatile the defense is," Jones said. "I can play all three safety spots."
Advertisement
In White's scheme, that flexibility carries tremendous value. Safeties are expected to disguise coverages before the snap, rotate into different alignments and communicate adjustments across the secondary. Jones believes that works because every defensive back is trained to understand every assignment.
"We all know every assignment on every snap," Jones said.
His football intelligence may ultimately become his greatest strength.
"I'm a very intelligent individual," Jones said. "That helps, not only me, but my teammates out. Coach Coop is a very smart coach, so that also adds to my skill set, taking gems from Coach Coop. Being at that slot position, there's a lot of space out there, so you've got to be able to take what the offense gives you to see and react to certain plays."
Advertisement
The numbers back up that reputation.
According to PFF, Jones finished 2025 with a 65.8 overall defensive grade while earning identical 72.5 marks in tackling and pass-rushing situations. His best work came against the run, where he posted a strong 75.9 run-defense grade over 130 run-defense snaps. Those are encouraging numbers for a safety expected to play near the line of scrimmage in White's defense.
Jones also proved to be a reliable finisher. He recorded 35 tackles (14 solo) with only four missed tackles, producing an 11.4% missed tackle rate. In coverage, opposing quarterbacks completed eight of 14 targets against him for just 87 yards, allowing only 10.9 yards per reception without surrendering a touchdown or interception.
While those aren't eye-popping ball-production numbers, they reflect a player who generally kept plays in front of him and limited explosive mistakes.
Advertisement
Florida State isn't asking Jones to become the next All-American overnight.
The Seminoles need someone capable of stabilizing the back end while helping younger players understand one of the ACC's most complex defensive systems. Jones' experience winning an ACC championship, combined with his positional flexibility and football IQ, makes him a logical fit for that role.
After two disappointing seasons in Tallahassee, Florida State has emphasized bringing in players accustomed to winning.
Jones checks that box before he ever takes his first snap in garnet and gold.
