Jarvis Jarrel Jones was born on October 13, 1989, in Columbus, Georgia. Though born in Columbus, he spent much of his upbringing in the nearby towns of Lumpkin and Richland. Jones attended Carver High School in Columbus, where he emerged as a standout athlete. As a high school senior, he led his football team to a state championship in 2007 and was recognized as a four-star recruit by multiple scouting services. Beyond football, Jones also excelled in basketball, earning all-state honors and being ranked as the 59th overall high school prospect by ESPN.

College Football at USC and the University of Georgia

Jones began his college football career in 2009 at the University of Southern California (USC), where he played as a backup linebacker and participated on special teams. During his freshman season, he sustained a serious neck injury and was later diagnosed with spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spine that poses increased risk during contact sports. USC medical staff would not clear him to return to play.

Seeking to continue his football career, Jones transferred to the University of Georgia in 2010. After sitting out his transfer year due to NCAA rules, he went on to have a highly successful collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs. His time at Georgia was marked by strong performances and significant accolades, including being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. That same year, he won the Jack Lambert Trophy and the Premier Player of College Football Trophy, solidifying his reputation as one of the top linebackers in college football.