Alabama Recruiting Surge Continues with “Tank” Jones

Alabama continues to receive good news on the recruiting trail, fresh off the heels of five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin setting an official visit with Alabama.

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In addition to Griffin, the Crimson Tide will get a crack at one of the top edge rushers in the country with five-star Anthony "Tank" Jones. Jones has set an official visit date with Alabama for June 20 through June 22.

Jones is a composite five-star prospect, ranked as the No. 15 player in the 2026 recruiting cycle, the No. 3 edge player, and the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama.

Standing at 6-foot-3.5 and 240 pounds, he attends St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama. During his sophomore year in 2023, Jones totaled 102 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, seven touchdowns, and five pass breakups for the Saints.

The five-star prospect has already been to Tuscaloosa nine times in his recruitment, with in-state rival Auburn hosting him eight times.

Jones scheduled five official visits for this summer.

Auburn: May 16-18
Miami: May 30-June 1
Texas A&M: June 5-7
Oregon: June 13-15
Alabama: June 20-22

247 Sports National Recruiting Analyst Greg Biggins wrote about Jones:

"Will be on the short list when talking about the best edge rushers in the ’26 class. Shows off an elite get-off, can dip and bend, and has great closing speed. Has the athleticism to chase down plays from behind and shows a crazy motor. Natural pass rusher at an early age and knows how to use his hands, and can win with multiple counters. Doesn’t rely on just a bull or speed rush, but has both in his arsenal. Is a tough, physical player in run support, strong at the point of attack, and hits like a truck. Can move around along the defensive line as well as play out in space. Can take on and beat a double team and has all the traits to be an immediate impact player at the next level. Ceiling is extremely high, and if he stays healthy and continues to develop at his current rate, there’s no reason why he won’t be playing on Sundays for a long time."

Alabama first offered Jones in February 2023, less than a month after Kalen DeBoer was hired as Alabama's head coach. All nine of his previous Alabama visits have come since DeBoer was hired.

Similar to Griffin, Alabama outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson has been a major player in Jones' recruitment.

"I would probably say [Robinson] is like the coolest coach, and I have the best relationship with him," Jones told Bama247. We are always on the phone. I was like in the mix [FaceTime] when his daughter was born. It was cool. I have talked to his wife and stuff too, so it's always good talking with them."

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.