Missouri HC Eli Drinkwitz Reveals Freshman OL DJ Jones Needs Heart Transplant

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed Tuesday that freshman offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones is in need of a heart transplant.

Drinkwitz said a heart issue was discovered during Jones’ freshman intake this summer. After the Tigers’ medical staff sought additional opinions, Jones was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where doctors discovered a more serious issue.

Jones is now on a heart transplant list and remains at the Mayo Clinic.

“It’s tough right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he goes through this,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s hard, an 18-year-old with everything in front of him. Our team wasn’t prepared for that kind of news.”

Drinkwitz asked Missouri fans to keep Jones and his family in their prayers, adding, “He needs help. Fast. We’re pulling for you, buddy.”

Jones was a four-star prospect out of Venice High School in Florida and signed with Missouri after receiving more than 30 scholarship offers.