MOUNDVILLE | Herb Jones, a 6-foot-7 "point forward" from Hale County High School, became the first verbal commitment of the University of Alabama 2017 signing class when he chose the Crimson Tide in a ceremony at his school gymnasium.

Jones, who led Sunshine to the AHSAA Class1A state finals in 2015 before that school was closed, had a list of five finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Georgia Tech. He took an official visit to Tuscaloosa last weekend.

Jones is a four-star prospects according to rivals.com, which ranks Jones at No. 72 nationally.

Another top instate prospect, 6-foot-9 Alex Reese of Pelham, will announce his college choice on Thursday afternoon.

The early signing period for basketball officially opens on November 9 and lasts for one week.

Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.comor 205-722-0225.