Four-Star LB Cayden Jones commits to Alabama

Four-star linebacker Cayden Jones of Arden (NC) Christ School announced his commitment to Alabama Friday afternoon.

The 6-foot-4, 220 pounder chose the Crimson Tide over Tennessee, South Carolina and others.

Jones on why he chose Alabama

“Alabama had been the front runner for me before they even offered me. Getting on campus was really important because I got to see the Alabama standard.  It just felt right being on campus and talking with the Coaches. Coach Cox and Coach Bala weighed in a lot in my decision because of our relationships. Both of those guys are great men and that’s who I want to push me.”

Relationship with coaching staff

“I’m closest with Coach Cox. He’s the regional recruiter and we’ve built a great relationship over the last year. It’s always great talking to him. Whether it’s about football, school, or even his kids. He’s always in a good mood. Our plan right now is to get down to Tuscaloosa for a camp to see whether I’ll play inside or outside LB.”

Bama’s track record for developing 1st Rounders

“It means a lot because that’s what I see myself as. I see myself as one of those guys and I just want to add to the list.”

The North Carolina linebacker joins coach Saban and the Crimson Tides’ top 3 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by Julian Sayin, Jaylen Mbakwe, and others.

Jones ranks as the No. 167 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 17 linebacker and the No. 2 player in the state of North Carolina.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $79K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.