Top Tennessee Prospect Picks Alabama

The University of Alabama pulled in a legacy Tuesday morning as Barrett Jones, four-star offensive tackle from Cordova-Evangelical Christian, (Tenn.), committed to the Crimson Tide. The top prospect from the state of Tennessee released his official statement through Scout.com announcing his college decision.

"After much prayer and visits to a number of schools, I have decided to choose the University of Alabama to continue my education and my football career,” said Barrett Jones.

“Coach [Nick] Saban said he was extremely happy about my decision. He told me that I am an important part of this class because I have the ability, character, and leadership to help build a great team. I am determined to do everything possible to live up to his expectations.”

“I am convinced that I can receive a quality education and be part of an outstanding football program at Alabama. I really like the players and coaches that I have met. I have gotten to know some of the recruits, and I feel very comfortable with them.”

The hiring of Nick Saban helped play a vital role in landing one of the nation’s premier prospects.

“I have been a Nick Saban fan for many years," Jones said. "I had an opportunity to meet him when I was really young. I followed him closely when he was at LSU. I have always respected his work ethic and his commitment to his players.”

“When he chose to become the coach at Alabama, I was very excited because I knew he would steer the program in the right direction. I think he is a brilliant coach, and I can’t wait to play for him. I believe under Coach Saban Alabama will have an opportunity to win a National Championship."

“Coach [Kevin] Steele has been recruiting me, and he has done a great job. I have a great relationship with him. He is truly a man of unquestionable character and also has a true passion for the game which I greatly admire.”

“I had an opportunity to meet Dr. Witt, the President of the University of Alabama. I was impressed with the vision that Dr. Witt has for the University. He shared with me how he has a mission to make Alabama a school that the academic reputation is as strong as the athletic reputation."

"He has made significant progress in this goal by starting an Honors College which I will be privileged to be a part of. The Honors College at Alabama fits with my long term academic goals.”

“The hardest part of the recruiting process is that you get to know so many great people at different schools, and you know in the end you can only choose one school.”

“I have been blessed to develop relationships with a lot of great men through this process. Coach Williams, Coach Pittman and Coach Davis (UNC); Coach Roper and Coach Fulmer (Tennessee); Coach Belin and Coach Johnson (Vanderbilt); Coach Addazio and Coach Meyer (Florida) are all excellent recruiters and even better men."

"I have enjoyed getting to know them, and I appreciate their interest in me. I will miss talking to them on a regular basis.”

“Throughout this process, I kept an open mind and looked closely at each school. My family and I have been praying about my decision for a long time. I’ve also had many friends, teachers and coaches tell me that they would pray for me through the process."

"I had so many great choices, and I wanted to make sure that I made the best choice for me and my family."

Many felt Jones was Alabama’s to lose due to the fact his father, Rex Jones, played basketball for the Tide.

“My Dad never pressured me to go to Alabama," Jones said. "He wanted it to be completely my decision. He sacrificed his time (and money) to take me to all the schools I was interested in so that I could make an informed decision."

"He told me, “If you go to Alabama it will be because that is where you want to go not where I want you to go.”

"He knows the hard work and determination it takes to be a college athlete, so he wanted it to be 100-percent my decision.”

Jones did not finish his official statement without a big recognition to his head coach.

“Coach Heinz is a great coach, and I have really enjoyed playing for him. He celebrated his 200th victory this year. He is very competitive, but he also knows how to keep everything in perspective. He does not give individual awards, but instead he really stresses the concept of “team," Jones said.

“He also does a great job of developing young men into players and ultimately great men. He instills in us that we are not solely defined by wins and losses but also by our character."

"I have had a great experience playing for him that includes winning a State Championship. He has taught me a lot about football, good sportsmanship and life. He has been a great role model for me."

“I am truly blessed to have offers from so many great schools. I know I would have had a great experience at any of them, however, I can only choose one."

"It has been my lifelong dream to play college football in the SEC, and I feel so fortunate that I am going to have a chance to fulfill that dream.”