Alabama battling another SEC school for in-state DL
Jayson Jones, 2020 defensive lineman from Calera High School in Alabama, will challenge for the top player in the state next year. He is a wanted prospect by several schools throughout the country including Alabama. He was in Tuscaloosa on Friday for an unofficial visit.
"It was the same old, same old stuff," Jones said. "I met the new D-Line coach (Craig Kuligowski). I already like him. He is a very intelligent guy. Coach Saban talked to me again to check-up on me since I haven't been there in a minute.
"Coach Kool (Kuligowski) talked to me about where he would put me. He talked about how important I am to the program. I learn by watching film of the team practicing. Coach Saban just wanted to check on me and talk about negative recruiting."
Alabama is in the middle of spring practice with the A-Day game on April 21. Jones will return for the spring game.
"They just had work-outs and position meetings," he said of his time observing in Tuscaloosa. "The workouts are all right. I got to see Ronnie Clark; another player that came out of Calera. Coach Cochran had us try out some of their equipment. My favorite was the frequency machine they had."
The 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman spent time with a few Crimson Tide players during the visit.
"The position meeting were a great experience," Jones said. "Quinnen Williams and Raekwon Davis, my idol, were crackin on everyone. I couldn’t hold it, had me laughing the whole time.
"It was the first time I've experienced something like that; just being with the players. It was very intimidating because they are people you watched on TV. Now in front of your face, but I have gotten used to seeing everyone.
"Raekwon talked to me a few days ago on what to work on. The connection I already have with the team and staff is what is really standing out about them right now. I’m just a sophomore."
Jones grew up an Alabama. He also only lives about an hour from Tuscaloosa. The national champions are not the leader at this time.
"Georgia is No. 1 on my list because they have kept in touch with me the most," he said. "Alabama is No. 2."