In a day and age where the transfer portal has allowed players to pursue the instant gratification of playing early, it has become rare for those like Georgia defensive back Kyron Jones to wait their turn.

Especially for a player like Jones, who started his career at Georgia already behind the proverbial eight ball because he was transitioning to a position he had never played.

"I was a running back in high school, so you couldn't tell me how to back pedal when I came in here," Jones said. "So all that was kind of new, so just learning under really the best, I would say the best defensive coaches the game has seen, Kirby Smart and Will Muschamp. So I'll be honest with you, it was tough as a freshman, just trying to figure out, first of all, how to play DB."

But Jones didn't only have to learn how to "back pedal"; he also had to learn a Georgia defense that is known for its complexity.

"And secondly, our system, it was just a lot," Jones said. "But I would just say, it was just a learning experience, just a part of the ride, you know what I'm saying? So I'll just say, it's gotten better ever since."

While not much outside of athleticism translates from running back to defensive back. There is still one other thing about the way Jones plays that carried over.

"Well, I've seen toughness, number one," Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said of Jones. "He's a thumper. He doesn't always take the perfect angle. He's raw in some things, but he is tough. He does love football."

After taking hits throughout his high school career, Jones is now the one delivering them on defense.

"I'm coming in with the force," Jones said of his knack for contact. "I'm not the one carrying the ball. So for me, I always loved contact, but now I'm the one really bringing it. I would say the love has always been there."

Now, as Jones prepares for his redshirt sophomore season in Athens, he is getting the chance to earn significant playing time.

"Well, really, I've been going back and forth between safety and our STAR position," Jones said. "So at the point where we've done cross training, getting reps at both safety and STAR, I wouldn't say there's one position I'm getting more in. It's probably just kind of split."