University of Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones needs a new heart, according to Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz.
“Last week, we found out that Johnnie is now on a heart transplant list,” Drinkwitz, 43, said during a Tuesday, October 6, press conference, as he fought back tears. “He’s in [the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville], and it’s tough right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this.”
The seventh-year head coach also asked fans to pray for Jones, 18, because “he does need help in a hurry.”
“We’re pulling for you, buddy,” Dinkwitz added.
Missouri’s medical staff first discovered a problem with Jones’ heart during freshman testing over the summer. Unable to find answers after several weeks, the university sent him to the Mayo Clinic for further tests. That’s where a more significant problem was unearthed, but his exact diagnosis has not been revealed.
The Tigers are now 4-1 on the season, coming off a massive 45-17 win at home against No. 8 Florida. Drinkwitz also mentioned Jones during his postgame remarks after facing the Gators on Saturday, October 3.
“I want to give a shoutout to Johnnie Jones,” Drinkwitz said after the game. “DJ, we love you, man. We’re praying for you. We’ll see you.”
He continued, “I know Johnnie was watching our game. It’s just hard. [He’s] an 18-year-old with everything in front of him, and you’re just not prepared for that kind of news. Our team wasn’t prepared for that kind of news. We’re praying for him, and I know a lot of Mizzou fans will hopefully join in that prayer because he does need help in a hurry.”
Jones came to Missouri as a four-star recruit from Venice, Florida, with 247Sports ranking him just outside the top 100 overall and as the 11th-best player at his position. He had not appeared in a game yet this season.
Drinkwitz also provided an update on Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy, who is recovering from a gunshot wound sustained at a concert in May. Hardy, 20, led the Tigers in rushing yards last season.
Drinkwitz said there is still no timetable for Hardy’s return. Before he does see action, he will have to complete a university-required two-week ramp-up period that his coach said he is not yet ready for.
“He’s not able to go out there and protect himself in a manner that he would have to to compete in the SEC,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s working really hard. He’s doing everything he can. But we’re just waiting for his body to respond.”
The Tigers’ next game is at home on Saturday, October 10, against Texas A&M.
