Hootie commits to the Tide
The University of Alabama continues to roll in the Bayou State. The Tide reeled in another Rivals100 commitment on Monday morning from Laurence Jones, four-star safety from Neville High School in Monroe, La. Jones announced his decision at his high school choosing Alabama instead of the home-state school of LSU. The battle for the elite prospect has been neck-and-neck for several months.
Jones becomes commitment No. 23 for Alabama in the class of 2014. The nation's top class continues to build its lead in the Rivals.com National Team Rankings. Jones is the fourth player from Louisiana to commit to Alabama this year joining Cameron Robinson, five-star offensive tackle from West Monroe High School, Cameron Sims, four-star wide receiver from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, and O.J. Smith, three-star defensive tackle from Airline High School in Bossier City. All four were recruited by Alabama assistant coach Billy Napier.
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Jones attended Alabama's home game in early November against LSU. This is what he had to say about the two programs after the trip.
"What stood out the most was the atmosphere when they play each other," Jones said. "Just how they play each other. Even if Alabama was No. 21 and LSU was No. 2 they are going to play each other like they are ranked the same. I like to see how they play each other. It brings some chill bumps to me knowing I will play in this game next year and for the years to come."
Jones had been concerned with the possibility of Alabama's head coach leaving for another school, but Nick Saban delivered good news last month.
"He told me he is too old to build another program," Jones said. "He would rather keep what he has now. He wants to retire at a place where he loves. He doesn't want to go somewhere and try to rebuild. He may not be able to rebuild by the time he is ready to retire."
Rivals.com attended the press conference of the latest Tide commitment. Look for video of the announcement, interview and more on TideSports.com.