Missouri freshman DJ Jones placed on heart transplant list

Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones has been placed on a heart-transplant list and is receiving care at Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville, Florida, campus, coach Eli Drinkwitz said Tuesday. Drinkwitz said the team learned last week that Jones needed a transplant after medical personnel at the clinic found a more serious heart problem during further evaluation. Jones, 18, is at the clinic in his home state, according to Drinkwitz. The coach described the news as difficult for Jones, his family and the team, and said Missouri’s staff and supporters were praying for him. Drinkwitz said Missouri staff first identified a heart issue during Jones’s intake testing over the summer. The team observed him for two weeks, but staff did not get the resolution they sought, prompting them to arrange an evaluation at Mayo Clinic. Drinkwitz said personnel there found a more significant problem and that the team was told last week Jones needed a transplant. The medical details have been relayed through the coach’s account at a news conference.