Butch Jones loses key player from Arkansas State roster to SEC program

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 4/23/24

Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones learned this week that life in the Sun Belt means you're essentially a feeder program for Power-Four teams.

Jones, who has been the head coach at Arkansas State since 2021, lost one of his best defensive players this week to the Auburn Tigers.

Defensive lineman Keyron Crawford, who had a breakout season for Arkansas State last season (44. tackles and 5.5 sacks), committed to Auburn on Monday.

Jones got off to a tough start at Arkansas State, going 5-19 in his first two seasons as the Red Wolves' head coach.

The former Tennessee Vols head coach, however, earned another season as the program's head coach after going 6-6 during the 2023 regular season. Arkansas State lost to Northern Illinois in the Camellia Bowl to finish 6-7.

Finding success at a program like Arkansas State is harder than ever. The transfer portal has greatly changed the sport for every program -- even the top programs in the nation -- but it's made life significantly more difficult for non Power-Four programs. Essentially, programs like Arkansas State are developing "ready-to-contribute" talent for top ACC, SEC, Big 12, and B1G programs.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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