Alexander Turri, Clemson WireSun, November 30, 2025 at 4:54 PM UTC·2 min readClemson’s history in this rivalry has a few unforgettable nights from its safeties, and Ricardo Jones just created one of his own.
The freshman stepped into the spotlight Saturday with two momentum-shifting interceptions in the Tigers’ 28-14 win at South Carolina. One takeaway halted a Gamecock drive near the goal line, and the other turned into a short pick-six that shut the door late.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“He is an instinctive player,” Dabo Swinney said. “He loves to practice, he loves to play, he loves his teammates, he is tough as they come and he knows his limitations. He is a very smart and instinctive player.”
Jones’ first interception came in a critical moment at the end of the third quarter. LaNorris Sellers tried to hit Nyck Harbor in the end zone, but Jones broke on the throw, got low to the turf, and secured the ball after review confirmed the catch.
“That was an incredible interception,” Swinney said. “His hands were under the ball, it was incredible. So, I am just really happy for him.”
His second pick came in the final minutes with South Carolina backed up deep. A tipped pass floated into the air, and Jones snagged it before weaving 12 yards into the end zone to finish off the night.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“That is a tipped ball,” Swinney said. “Tips are picks. We have been trying to score. We have a streak around here where we have scored twice on defense (since 2007). So now we have a chance to keep that going in the postseason. I am proud of Ricardo. He has done a nice job.”
With six interceptions this season, Jones now sits tied for the national lead. His approach hasn’t changed — see the ball, trust what he sees, and go make a play.
“I was just reading the quarterback’s eyes,” Jones said. “I kind of saw him staring (Harbor) a little bit, so I was just trying to get over the top and make a play.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd when the ball was in the air, he had only one thought.
“In my head, I am going to go get it,” he said. “That’s my ball.”
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson HC Dabo Swinney on Ricardo Jones in the South Carolina win
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