Indiana projects to get plenty of pressure on the quarterback in the years to come.

The Hoosiers got a second class of 2021 commitment from a top 500 defensive end when Valparaiso, Ind. junior Cooper Jones committed to IU on Thursday night.

Jones announced his decision on his Twitter page.

First off I know this is small news during these chaotic times. I would like to announce that I have committed to Indiana University to further my academic and athletic career. I want to thank @CoachAllenIU and the rest of the IU coaching staff for this great opportunity. pic.twitter.com/I9HAEWDNpW — Cooper Jones (@cooperjones1150) April 3, 2020

Jones, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound three-star prospect is listed as the No. 26 strong-side defensive end nationally by the 247Sports Composite.

Jones helped to lead Valparaiso to a 13-1 record and a first state finals appearance. He recorded 56 tackles, five tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one pass deflection and one blocked punt.

Jones had an impressive list of scholarship offers including Big Ten schools Purdue, Indiana, Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan. Jones’ father Eric was a defensive lineman at Notre Dame.

Jones joins Elkhart Central (Ind.) defensive end Rodney McGraw (No. 438 247Sports Composite) as the second member of IU’s 2021 class.

Indiana’s class of 2021 haul at defensive end is particularly impressive given the offseason change in the coaching staff. Former defensive line coach Mark Hagen left the program and was replaced recently by Kevin Peoples.

Also a member of the Valparaiso basketball team, Jones averaged 9.4 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game.

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