The state of Alabama’s top-ranked Class of 2026 recruit hopes to narrow his list of potential colleges in March.
St. Paul’s EDGE Anthony “Tank” Jones told AL.com this week he would like to commit before his senior season starts in August.
Head coach Ham Barnett said Jones has handled the recruiting process with maturity throughout. Jones' first offer came from Mississippi State when he was in the eighth grade.
“I have really watched him these last few months,” Barnett said. “There are some schools that he’s really interested in and schools that are still coming in. He’s very honest with them. He says, ‘these are the schools that I’m interested in’ and that takes a lot to disappoint an adult. He’s learned to do that because he knows what he wants to do in the future. He’s not just thinking about the next four years or five years, he’s thinking about the next 20 years, which is very mature for somebody his age.”
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Jones was one of three finalists for Class 6A Lineman of the Year following his junior season. He finished with 84 solo tackles, 38 assists, 18 tackles for a loss and 16 sacks. He also had a pair of interceptions.
“I thought we had a good year,” he said. “I hate how it ended (a home playoff loss to Pike Road), but I thought we got better and better throughout the season.”
Jones’ college offers looks likes a who’s who list of traditional programs and current powers: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Clemson and many more. He said most schools are looking at him as an EDGE rusher or ‘Jack’ linebacker at the college level.
What are his keys in picking the right college?
“Relationships,” he said. “I want to go somewhere my parents can drop me off and feel comfortable; somewhere I can get a great education and graduate. I don’t care about being that close to home, but it plays a part also. It’s like half and half, I guess.”
Jones said some colleges have even mentioned tight end as a spot for him in the future. This year for the Saints, he had five rushing touchdowns and three receiving TDS.
“I think they are just playing with me,” he said, smiling.
Barnett said Jones stands out, not just for his play on the field, but as a quality person off it.
“His humility stands out,” he said. “Just watching him grow these last three years from watching him be a quiet young man to someone who has come out of his shell and speaks his mind, in a good way and always respectful. I think that kind of translates to the field. Kids respect him, and he goes out there and plays hard for us.”
Barnett said whichever college Jones chooses will get a winner.
“He’s relentless and humble,” he said. “I think that’s the word that describes him more than anything, and that’s an honor to be called humble. He’s always there for his teammates. He’s a great teammate to everybody, and he’s a great athlete, too.”
According to the 247 composite rankings, Jones is the No. 11 junior in the nation and No. 2 at his position.
