2024 LB Cayden Jones commits to Alabama: "The standard at Alabama is excellent."

Cayden Jones’ recruitment officially began with an offer from UNC-Charlotte on June 8, 2021. Nearly two years later, Jones has found his home for the next chapter of his life: Alabama.

On Friday, the Arden (N.C.) Christ School linebacker committed to the Crimson Tide over an offer sheet that included North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and USC.

Prior to officially announcing his decision, Jones spoke with BamaInsider about why the Crimson Tide came out on top.

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“It was that gut feeling and how I felt walking around the campus, walking around the facilities,” Jones said. “The feeling I got from Coach [Robert] Bala. I loved his energy. It didn’t come down to the facilities… it comes down to Coach Saban and his mind. He’s a defensive guy. He’s just a guy I’d want to play for. The standard at Alabama is excellent, and everybody holds themselves to that standard. That’s what I want to be a part of. I want to compete against other guys across the county that are beasts and the best of the best. I want to better my game.”

Jones’ April 14 visit to Alabama was his second of the year, with the first coming on their Jan. 28 junior day. The top-20 linebacker in the 2024 class considered wrapping up his recruitment as soon as Nick Saban delivered him an offer.

“I went to the junior day and they offered me. I wanted to commit on that junior day,” Jones said. “Then, I realized that probably wouldn’t have been smart after talking with my family. After that junior day, I wanted to make sure my feelings were right. So, I took another visit to Tennessee on March 26. Walking around the facilities, I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know if it necessarily feels right being here.’ In my gut, it wasn’t the right feeling I was looking for. That was a tell of how I actually felt.”

Between that visit to Tennessee and his recent trip to Bama, Jones told primary recruiter Joe Cox that he was ready to commit. Before it became official, however, Cox said he needed to have a conversation with Saban.

“Honestly, when he said that, I was a little nervous,” Jones said with a laugh. “What if he says he doesn’t want me? But that wasn’t the case. The next day, we got on the phone with Coach Saban and we talked. I’m blessed.”

Jones, an expected early enrollee in January 2024, was all smiles when asked what it means to be committed to Alabama.

“It means the world, really, because this is what I dreamed of,” Jones said. “My dreams really are coming true. I remember thinking earlier in my high school career if I was good enough… to see this come to fruition is really awesome.”

Relationships with Bama’s coaches played a key role for Jones

For Jones, opportunities on the field and in the classroom sold him on Alabama. Almost as important, if not equally important, were his relationships on the staff.

Area recruiter Joe Cox built a strong bond with both Jones and his family during this process.

“Coach Cox is the man,” Jones said. “He was the first guy I was in contact with [from Alabama]. He’s been to Christ School… I mean, what a guy. I always enjoy talking with him, whether it’s about football, his day, or his kids. He’s a great guy.”

Position coach Robert Bala is a recent addition to the Crimson Tide’s football program. Even so, he’s done an exceptional job recruiting Jones in recent weeks.

“He’s really done his best,” Jones said. “He’s done a great job. We’ve talked on the phone plenty of times. He did great on my visit. Talked with my parents very well. I really like him. Did a great job at practice… I really like him.”

Cayden Jones talks Alabama’s 2024 class: “I think it’s going to be legendary.”

Jones now joins an Alabama class that features a pair of five-star prospects in Jaylen Mbakwe and Julian Sayin. It also has elite 2024 wide receiver Perry Thompson and fellow linebacker Sterling Dixon.

The nation’s No. 167 overall junior prospect was grinning ear to ear when talking about this group.

“I think it’s going to be legendary. I think it’s going to be a big one for Alabama,” Jones said. “Think it will continue to grow. Can’t wait to connect with those guys and start recruiting, really. I want to start recruiting and see who else I can get.”

Jones does not have any names in mind at this juncture, but shared what his pitch will be to those considering Bama.

“My pitch would be that I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the country you could go and grow off the field as a man, and on the field, you’ll be going against the best in the country,” Jones said. “Iron sharpens iron type of deal. As far as it was for me, I felt like that was family. As far as school goes, there is a lot of help built in around the football program. You have advisors to help you. School and football, there’s no one else better than Alabama.”

As for the rest of his recruitment, Jones has yet to take any official visits to this point. At this time, Jones only has plans to visit Tuscaloosa the rest of the year.

“T-Town, that’s the only destination we have planned now as far as colleges go,” Jones said. “For me, it’s a respect kind of thing. I’ve taken a lot of visits. [Taking officials] is kind of intriguing because I did earn this… right now, I don’t feel the want to go and visit any other colleges. I’m committed. If you’re in a relationship with a girl, you’re not going to see other girls.”

To end our conversation, Jones had a simple message he wanted to deliver to Alabama’s fan base.

“Roll Tide.”