Alize Jones to miss season, alludes to academics as reason

Notre Damehas lost one of its top offensive weapons for the 2016 season, as coach Brian Kelly announced Wednesday night that sophomore tight end Alize Jones will not play this season but remains on the roster and can practice.

Jones tweeted earlier a message of apology, hinting at academic shortcomings while saying that he planned to remain with the Fighting Irish.

Jones was ESPN's No. 1 tight end recruit in 2015, hailing from Las Vegas power Bishop Gorman. The 6-foot-4.5, 240-pound Jones played in all 13 games and started five for the Irish last season as a true freshman, catching 13 passes for 190 yards.

Jones would have been Notre Dame's second-leading returning pass-catcher in 2016, behind Torii Hunter Jr. and Jones figured to be split wide as a receiver much more this season after the summer retirement of receiver Corey Robinson (concussions). Outside of Hunter, Notre Dame's available receivers and tight ends enter 2016 with a combined nine career catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.