Alabama lands LB commitment

It’s not a massive surprise, but now it’s official. Walker Jones, the brother of the Crimson Tide’s Barrett and Harrison Jones, committed to play for Alabama on Monday afternoon. The linebacker from Evangelical Christian school expressed his intent to play for Alabama in a statement. Jones is the Tide’s 18th commitment in the 2013 recruiting class.

“After much thought and prayer, I have verbally committed to play football at the University of Alabama Coach Saban told me he is very pleased with my decision and happy to have me as a part of the 2013 class,” Jones said in the prepared statement.  “He said I have the size, athleticism, and intelligence to be a good player at the next level. He plans for me to play inside linebacker but told me I have the versatility to play outside or even h-back. He also told me I will have an opportunity to contribute on special teams.”

The 6-foot-3, 238-pound inside linebacker held offers from a number of high-profile programs. He chose the Crimson Tide over offers from Arkansas, Cincinnati, Mississippi State and Nebraska to name a few.

Jones recored 95 tackles during his junior season, forced five fumbles, recovered one fumble and intercepted the ball twice. At the end of his junior season, he was named the TWSA All-State and Region Defensive MVP.

“Coach Saban has won 3 national championships and has a top-notch recruiting class each year. I respect his work ethic and willingness to devote his full effort to turning his players into great men,” the Jones’ statement released indicated.

Jones has played both ways in high school, but he should get a chance to make a name for himself on defense in college.

“I cannot wait to play for Coach Smart as my position coach and play-caller. I have spent a lot of time with him in my 4 years at camp and believe in his ability to make me a part of some great Alabama defenses.”