Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer gestures during a timeout in the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Father of Five-Star Recruit Reveals What Alabama Has Over Other Programs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 1:29 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide is a top destination for recruits, even after the departure of the legendary head coach Nick Saban. It doesn't take much selling, especially to in-state high school talent. That is the case for five-star edge Anthony Jones Jr., who is one of the top players in the 2026 class.

He is being recruited hard by several top programs, including the Auburn Tigers, the Oregon Ducks, and the Texas A&M Aggies, among others. There is a reason why all the top schools want the Alabama native, ranked the No. 2 player in-state and No. 3 edge player. On3 Industry Rankings also has Jones, nicknamed 'Tank, as the No. 19 player in the nation.

His father spoke to On3's BamaOnLine and revealed what The Crimson Tide said, which was much different from the other programs that want his son to commit.

"Everyone is giving us a sales pitch when we go on these visits, but Alabama, they want us there, if we want to be there," said Anthony Jones Sr.

Jones has been heavily linked with Auburn, but Kalen DeBoer and his staff are pushing hard for him to come to Tuscaloosa. The St. Paul's Episcopal High School recruit knows what Alabama has to offer him if he commits.

"It is like a brotherhood at Alabama…and I know they can develop talent," said Anthony Jones Jr.

He is taking his time to decide, as he has yet to set an announcement date. There is no rush, with several months until the early signing day window. However, Alabama has as good a chance as any school does at this point.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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