2012 UGA Football: Mark Richt believes Jarvis Jones is the best player in America

Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Mark Richt believes that linebacker Jarvis Jones is the best player in America. The linebacker, who has recorded 8.5 sacks so far this season, second most in the nation, has not received much in the way of Heisman Trophy attention, but on Tuesday Richt reaffirmed that he thought he was the best:

"I can't think of a better player than Jarvis in the whole United States of America," Richt said. "He's the best."

Former Bulldogs defensive end David Pollack currently holds the single-season sack record at 14. Jones knows that he has a great chance of breaking that record at the current pace he's on:

"I think he knows," said Jones, second in the nation in sacks. "I'm very humble about it. Just keep working towards it. ...I'm pushing for it. I'm coming."

Jones was also named the FWAA/Bronco Nagurski national defensive player of the week for his performance against the Florida Gators. In that game, he recorded 13 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The Georgia Bulldogs next play against the Mississippi Rebels on Saturday at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff and the game will be televised on CBS.