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Kalen DeBoer's recruiting hot streak could continue as Alabama named as 'the team to beat' for elite local five-star prospect

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 12:14 AM ET

Few teams have caught fire as much as the Alabama Crimson Tide has over the last month or so. While they still trail Texas A&M in some composite rankings, the Tide could snag another five-star rating and push themselves into pole position for the top spot. Kalen DeBoer has his program pitching an incredible game despite a lackluster 2024 finish.

Not all five-stars are created equally, so it's notable when one of the best who plays at a premium position is in consideration. A pass-rusher trumps all needs outside of a quarterback, so it's not like we're talking about a tight end for a team that barely utilizes one in the passing game.

Instead, it's Anthony "Tank" Jones who is trending for Alabama.

Rivals’ @ChadSimmons_ ranks the contenders for 5-star EDGE Anthony Jones

Jones’ finalists are Alabama, Oregon and Texas A&M.

Intel: https://t.co/BHn94CxIX7 pic.twitter.com/R4RyaJZJIh
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 7, 2025

Here's the latest buzz on where Alabama stands with Jones, per On3.

"Jones is in the state of Alabama and he grew up a fan of the Crimson Tide. Lets start there. He has visited Tuscaloosa over 10 times, Alabama received his final official visit and Kalen DeBoer’s program has been perceived as the team to beat from the beginning of this recruitment. A lot of things play into Alabama’s favor in this race, but the new age of recruiting keep other programs in this race.

Alabama has laid out their plan for Jones, they give him a chance to stay home and be a leader for their program and we still expect Alabama to be tough to beat. He was on campus recently with two other in-state five-stars in running back Ezavier Crowell and wide receiver Cederian Morgan – both have since committed to the Tide – Deboer and company hope Jones is next."

Texas A&M is viewed as the top competitor for Jones, and the Aggies have been spending that oil money with fervor. They also have a strong pipeline to the NFL to offer Jones, but Alabama's isn't much worse.

Can DeBoer pull another Saban-esque win?

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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