DeJuan Jones Bio
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. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, Jones has built his career on pace, positional versatility, and a steady progression from youth standout to a regular contributor at the top flight of American soccer. After being drafted in 2019, he has logged stints with multiple MLS clubs and earned call-ups to the senior U.S. Men’s National Team.
Early Life and Background
DeJuan Lytelle Jones was born on June 24, 1997, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. He attended Dwight Rich School of the Arts in Lansing from kindergarten through sixth grade, then transferred to MacDonald Middle School in East Lansing for seventh and eighth grade. He moved on to East Lansing High School, where he completed ninth through twelfth grade and graduated before continuing his education at Michigan State University.
Introduced to soccer at the age of five by his teacher, Jones became a three-year letter winner in soccer at East Lansing High School. He also played club soccer for TNT Dynamite SC and Force FC. During his junior and senior seasons, he led the Trojans to a combined 50–4 record while winning back-to-back State Championships. Throughout a seven-game playoff run in his senior year, Jones netted 9 goals and added 12 assists, including the game-tying assist and the game-winning overtime goal in the 2014 State Championship against Cranbrook Schools.
For his efforts as a senior, Jones was named both the Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Soccer for the state of Michigan. Those honors established him as one of the top high school prospects in the region and helped set the stage for his college recruitment by major NCAA programs.
Path to Soccer
Jones accepted a scholarship to attend Michigan State University, where he played four seasons for the Spartans men’s soccer program. During his first two years, he was seldom named to the starting lineup, though he made regular substitute appearances. He scored his first college goal at Bowling Green on September 29, 2015, and he was twice named to the All-Big Ten second team during his time with the program.
As a junior, Jones began the year as a substitute before becoming a starter in his sixth game of the season. He did not relinquish that starting spot for the remaining 15 matches, finishing the year with 7 goals and 6 assists. In his senior season, he started all 23 games in 2018 and captained the Spartans team that reached the semifinals of the 2018 College Cup, tallying 5 goals and 5 assists.
Ahead of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Jones performed well at the MLS Combine, placing first in the combine’s speed and agility tests, and third in the vertical jump. 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.
DeJuan Jones Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
While still in college, Jones began his senior career with the Myrtle Beach Mutiny in 2017. The following year, he played for Lansing United, gaining additional experience at the development level before finishing his degree at Michigan State.
Those amateur and semi-professional seasons allowed Jones to test himself against older competition and refine the attacking traits that had made him a high school star. They also positioned him to enter MLS as a polished, draft-ready prospect.
New England Revolution Breakthrough (2019–2024)
Described as 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 a full preseason in which the club tried him at left-back, Jones signed a contract on February 25, five days ahead of the season opener.
Named in the match-day squad for the first two games, Jones did not make his debut until the Revolution’s fourth game, a home match against expansion side FC Cincinnati on March 24, where he replaced left-back Edgar Castillo late in a 2–0 loss. On March 30, 2019, Jones made his first career start, recording two shots, including one on goal, and the game-winning assist in a 2–1 victory over Minnesota. He scored his first professional goal against Sporting Kansas City on April 27, calling it an awesome feeling, and during the second half of the season he transitioned from a winger into a left-back role on a full-time basis. After his rookie season, Jones signed a contract extension with the Revolution, and on December 15, 2021, the club announced another extension through 2024 with an additional year option. On January 18, 2024, Jones re-signed with the Revolution on a four-year deal running through the 2027 MLS season.
Columbus Crew Era (2024–2025)
On July 31, 2024, Jones was traded to the Columbus Crew in exchange for Will Sands plus $600,000 in General Allocation Money. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club just 20 seconds after being substituted in during his debut, a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City.
His stint with the Crew gave Jones a fresh environment and a chance to compete for trophies, and he featured in cup competition during the 2024 campaign before another move altered his trajectory.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2025–Present)
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. The move added an experienced, attack-minded fullback to the Earthquakes roster and gave Jones a new starting opportunity in the Western Conference.
Wearing jersey number 24, Jones has slotted into the San Jose back line as the club continues its 2025 MLS campaign. The trade positioned him as a regular contributor on the left side of the defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
An attacking fullback who is adept with either foot, Jones has been lauded for his speed, work-rate, and off-ball runs. His ability to cover ground quickly, deliver crosses, and support attacks from deep has allowed coaches to deploy him on either flank and to shift between wide midfield and fullback roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones’s first professional goal against Sporting Kansas City on April 27, 2019, and his 20-second strike on his Columbus Crew debut stand out as signature moments of his career. His senior-year high school performances, including back-to-back State Championships and the 2014 overtime winner against Cranbrook Schools, also mark defining early milestones.
DeJuan Jones Career Wins
Jones has built a steady professional resume through consistent contributions rather than a long list of silverware. His team honors include recognition with the Columbus Crew organization, and his individual milestones reflect sustained selection at both club and international level.
Club Highlights
With the New England Revolution, Jones became a regular starter at left-back after transitioning from a winger role, helping the club across multiple playoff pushes. At Columbus, his debut goal in the Leagues Cup against Sporting Kansas City highlighted his attacking threat, while his move to San Jose in 2025 marked his third MLS club.
Other Performances
At the youth and collegiate levels, Jones captained Michigan State to the semifinals of the 2018 College Cup, earned two All-Big Ten second team selections, and was named Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Soccer for the state of Michigan in high school. Internationally, he started group-stage matches at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and recorded his first senior assist against Trinidad and Tobago, setting up Jesus Ferreira’s opener.
DeJuan Jones Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jones was raised in the Lansing and East Lansing area of Michigan, attending Dwight Rich School of the Arts, MacDonald Middle School, and East Lansing High School as he progressed through his education. His early introduction to soccer came through a teacher when he was five years old, an experience that helped spark his lifelong commitment to the sport.
Personal Life
Off the field, Jones has been based in markets corresponding to his club affiliations, including New England, Columbus, and now the San Jose Bay Area. Public details about his parents, partner, and children have not been widely reported, and those topics are not detailed here.
2025 Season Performance
Jones began 2025 still listed with the Columbus Crew before being traded to the San Jose Earthquakes on April 22 in exchange for $425,000 in General Allocation Money and an International Roster Slot. The midseason move gave him a chance to secure regular minutes on the left side of a Western Conference defense.
With San Jose, Jones has stepped into a starting role at left-back, providing pace, crossing ability, and defensive cover. His familiarity with the league and his attacking fullback profile fit the Earthquakes’ approach as they navigate the 2025 MLS regular season.
At the international level, Jones remains part of the U.S. Men’s National Team pool after his 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup involvement. Looking ahead, he is positioned to compete for additional call-ups while establishing himself as a long-term piece of the San Jose back line.
