Cayden Jones talks senior season, excitement for playing at Alabama

Arden (N.C.) Christ School linebacker Cayden Jones wrapped up his senior season last week.

The Class of 2024 Alabama commitment is now looking ahead to the next chapter of his life, which will begin in a few weeks. Jones is set to not only sign during the Early Signing Period (Dec. 20-22), but will also be officially enrolled at Bama come January. He’s hoping to participate in bowl prep with the Crimson Tide next month, as well as play in the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando on Jan. 3.

Speaking with BamaOnLine earlier this week, Jones says he is itching to make the official move to Tuscaloosa.

“I’m very, very excited. I’m looking forward to it a lot,” Jones told BOL. “Every day, it’s getting closer. With the trips that we’ve taken — my official visit, the LSU game, the Texas game — every trip down there has felt amazing. It’s felt like home every time, which is really important to me. That makes it even more exciting for my family and I.”

Jones considered a visit to Bama for the Tennessee game. With kickoff time being 2:30 p.m. and the school being a nearly seven-hour-drive, however, he was unable to watch that game in person.

Attending the LSU game on Nov. 4 more than made up for it, and more.

“It was awesome,” Jones said of his recent visit. “It’s definitely going to be a game I’ll remember… Bryant-Denny was awesome. It was the loudest it’s ever been. It was a really, really cool game. They had the light show going. It was awesome.”

Since committing to Alabama in April, Jones has not taken a single visit elsewhere. Despite having an impressive offer sheet, the No. 11 linebacker in the 2024 On300 had no desire to visit other schools after he announced his decision.

“I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Jones said. “My visit to Tennessee before I committed to Alabama — it just didn’t feel right being there. I know I won’t have that feeling anywhere else [like I have at Bama]. I just wanted to take my visits to Alabama, be patient, and wait until I get there.”

Cayden Jones has built strong relationships with Alabama’s coaches

For Cayden Jones, it’s pretty simple why he has remained locked in with Bama over the past seven months.

The bonds he’s formed with area recruiter Joe Cox and position coach Robert Bala have made him feel very comfortable in his decision.

“I’d say it’s probably my connection with my coaches,” Jones said. “I have really good relationships with Coach Cox and Coach Bala. Those guys are people I look up to and people I respect very highly. That’s what’s pushed my love for Alabama, is those two guys. Not only them, but the surrounding people that they have on campus around the football program.

“Honestly, my relationships with those two guys are better than any relationship I’ve built with any other coach. It’s been a real blessing to be able to meet Coach Cox and Coach Bala.”

Jones noted that he met Cox after his first-ever visit to Alabama the summer of 2022. Cox has also made his way to Christ School multiple times in Jones’ recruitment. Jones believes he can go to Cox about anything and has a strong trust in him.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder is also impressed with Bala. The two clicked immediately, with Jones appreciating his passion for football and the energy he brings. Jones also likes what Bala has done with Alabama’s linebackers this fall.

Assessing Bama’s season as a whole, Jones is impressed with what his future team has done.

“I’ve loved it,” Jones said. “They’ve just been tough. After the Texas game, people were down on them and counting them out. The vibe around Alabama was that it was one game. If we’re going to lose, let’s get it out early. They’ve overcome adversity. They beat a really good LSU team. When we play Georgia, I think we’re going to surprise some people. I’m excited.”

Jones has not wavered one bit on his commitment to the Tide. And he has the full support of his family behind him. His mother, Allison LeCroy, has fully bought into Alabama as the ideal place for her son at the next level.

“She’s been really supportive,” Jones said. “She definitely likes Alabama because she feels the way I feel about the coaches, the town, and the people I’ll be surrounded by. She also feels that sense of home… she’s definitely, definitely loving it.”

Jones talks senior season, getting ready for Bama

Of course, Jones would have liked to have finished his high school career with a championship. And while Jones and his team did lose in the semifinals last week, they fought until the very end.

After an 0-5 start that included losses to some powerhouse teams, Christ School won four of their final six games. That included a 46-0 win over Charlotte Country Day School in the playoffs.

“We had a decent season,” Jones said. “We started off slow playing some good teams. I was proud of the way we stepped up. Our heads stayed high. We were never down on ourselves. We were never down on our teammates. It was good… it was a fun season to wrap up my career. Going to miss some of my guys on the team and at school.”

Jones started off primarily playing defense. As the season went along, however, he took on more reps on the offensive side of the ball. In that shutout win versus CCDS, Jones hauled in a 40-yard touchdown reception, and even threw for a 69-yard touchdown pass.

If you’re keeping track at home, Cayden Jones has caught a touchdown, thrown for one, and of course this. All in the first half. Greenies lead Charlotte Country Day, 40-0, at the half. More video is on our GreenieSports Instagram. @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/DEqHJG3wLr

— Christ School Athletics (@greeniesports) November 4, 2023

This all culminated in him winning the Western Football Conference Athlete of the Year. He was also named one of 12 semifinalists for the Dick Butkus Award, with the winner being announced Dec. 7.

“As the season went along, we had some injuries on the team. So, we changed up our defensive look,” said Jones, who finished his high school career with 283 total tackles. “I had to kind of play outside backer, which I don’t mind. I played that previously. Showcased my availability and versatility, being able to play different positions. Being athletic and being able to play three or four positions, and being pretty good at it.

“Offensively, I was able to get my legs under me,” Jones continued. “That was really fun. That’s going to be an aspect of high school ball I miss. Offense is pretty fun.”

Now, with his senior season behind him, Cayden Jones is ready to contribute to Alabama next year and beyond.

“I’m looking forward to starting my career off right,” Jones said. “Winning some games. Helping to contribute to a great Alabama team. It’s what I’ve dreamed of being a part of since I was a little kid. I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to it.”

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