DeJuan Jones

DeJuan Lytelle Jones (born June 24, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes and the United States national team.

Early life Introduced to soccer at the age of five by his teacher, Jones was a three-year letter winner in soccer at East Lansing High School, while also playing club soccer for TNT Dynamite SC, as well as Force FC. During his junior and senior seasons he led the Trojans to a combined 50–4 record en route to winning back-to-back State Championships. Throughout the seven game playoff run his senior season, Jones netted 9 goals and tailed 12 assists which included the game tying assist and game winning overtime goal in the 2014 State Championship against Cranbrook Schools. Jones was named both the Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Soccer for the state of Michigan in his senior year while attending East Lansing High School.

College career Jones played four seasons at Michigan State, where he was twice named to the All-Big Ten second team. During his first two years, he was seldom named to the starting lineup, although made regular substitute appearances. He scored his first college goal at Bowling Green on September 29, 2015. He finished the season with 7 goals and 6 assists. tallying 5 goals and 5 assists for the season. After scoring a goal in a scrimmage that day, his draft stock rose from being picked late in the first round, to as high as sixth overall on multiple mock drafts.

Professional career

New England Revolution A "speedy right winger with attacking sensibilities", Jones was selected with the 11th overall pick of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution, the club's second selection of the draft, after Tajon Buchanan. After playing a full preseason with the Revolution where the club tried him out at left-back, Jones signed a contract with the club on February 25, five days ahead of their season opening fixture. Named in the match-day squad for the first two games, Jones did not make his debut until the Revolution's fourth game, at home to expansion side FC Cincinnati on March 24. Jones replaced left-back Edgar Castillo towards the end of the match as the Revolution tried to overcome a two-goal deficit, the game finishing 2–0. On March 30, 2019, Jones made his first career start for the Revolution, recording two shots, including one shot on goal and the game-winning assist in a 2–1 victory over Minnesota. Jones would score his first professional goal against Sporting Kansas City on April 27, with Jones calling it "an awesome feeling." During the second half of the season, Jones transitioned to playing from a winger to become a left-back full-time.

On December 15, 2021, it was announced that Jones signed a contract extension with the Revolution through 2024, with an additional year option.

On January 18, 2024, Jones re-signed with the Revolution on a 4-year deal, which would last through the 2027 MLS Season.

Columbus Crew On July 31, 2024, Jones was traded to the Columbus Crew, in exchange for Will Sands plus $600,000 in General Allocation Money. He scored his first goal for the club just 20 seconds after being substituted in during his debut, in a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City.

San Jose Earthquakes On April 22, 2025, Jones was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes, in exchange for $425,000 in General Allocation Money, and one International Roster Slot.

International career Jones made his debut for the U.S. Men's National Team against Serbia, subbing on in a January camp international friendly on January 25. He made his first start against Colombia later during that same friendly camp. Jones was named to both the preliminary and final roster for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Jones then started twice in group stage matches, which included notching his first ever assist at the international level against Trinidad and Tobago, assisting Jesus Ferreira on the opener. Jones then assisted Brandon Vazquez for the opening goal of the quarter-final match up versus Canada, a game the US would go on to win in penalties.

Style of play An attacking fullback who is adept with either foot, Jones has been lauded for his speed, work-rate, and off-ball runs.

Personal life DeJuan Lytelle Jones was born on June 24, 1997, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Jones attended Dwight Rich School of the Arts, located in Lansing, Michigan, from kindergarten through sixth grade. After finishing sixth grade, he transferred to MacDonald Middle School located in East Lansing and was there for seventh and eighth grade and moved on the East Lansing High School which is where he graduated after completing ninth through twelfth grade. After graduating from East Lansing High School he accepted a scholarship to attend Michigan State University to continue his academic and athletic career.

Career statistics Club

International

Honors

Columbus Crew Leagues Cup: 2024