Mark Richt says linebacker Jarvis Jones is returning for 2012

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia coach Mark Richt says linebacker Jarvis Jones is returning for the 2012 season.

Richt also says all his class of rising seniors, with the exception of tight end Orson Charles, are returning.

A group of 15 third-year players, including rising junior quarterback Aaron Murray, joined Richt at Friday's news conference.

Jones, a third-year sophomore in 2011 who began his career at Southern Cal, led the Southeastern Conference and ranked fifth in the nation with 13 1/2 sacks this season, the second-highest total in school history.

Jones is in New Haven, Conn., this week with other Walter Camp All-America selections.

Charles announced plans to enter the NFL draft earlier in the week. Safety Bacarri Rambo, another rising junior, said this week he will return for his senior season.

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