2017
Jones earned valuable playing time in the Vanderbilt secondary as a redshirt freshman… Saw action in 11 of 12 games, earning first career start as strong safety at South Carolina… Concluded the year with 11 total tackles, six solo stops, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble… Played well against nationally ranked Georgia, contributing career high five tackles and a forced fumble… Also registered multiple stops against Alabama A&M and Alabama.

2016
Jones did not play as a true freshman… Impressed during fall practices as a defensive scout safety… Participated in spring drills after enrolling in January 2016.

High School
Senior captain… Three-year starting defensive back for Mississippi power… As senior, helped Meridian to 8-6 record and Class 6A state semifinals by contributing 92 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery… Earned 6A First Team All-State as a senior, and played in postseason Alabama-Mississippi Prep All-Star Classic… Registered 63 stops and an interception as junior for 7-5 Meridian squad as junior… Two-time All-Region pick… Posted three interceptions and 49 tackles as sophomore… Earned letters in basketball, track and bowling… High academic achiever.

Personal
Entered Vanderbilt classes in January 2016… Zaire Jones… Born Nov. 6, 1997… Son of Timothy Jones and Tabbotha Adams… Has an older brother, Tori, and a twin sister, Zaria… Dad is postmaster; mom works in cosmetology.

Career Highs
Total Tackles: 5, vs. Georgia, 10/7/2017
Solo Tackles: 2, vs. Georgia, 10/7/2017
Tackles for Loss: 1.0, vs. Alabama A&M, 9/9/2017
Forced Fumbles: 1, vs. Georgia, 10/7/2017