Oregon Ducks go into SEC country to land ANOTHER five-star commitment over the Alabama Crimson Tide – inching closer to No. 1 overall class
St. Paul’s Episcopal (Ala.) EDGE Anthony Jones announced his commitment to Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks Thursday. The 6-foot-4, 240 pound prospect chose the Big Ten squad over hometown programs Alabama and Auburn as well as the Texas A&M Aggies.Jones is ranked as the 18th overall prospect, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He is the […]
St. Paul’s Episcopal (Ala.) EDGE Anthony Jones announced his commitment to Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks Thursday. The 6-foot-4, 240 pound prospect chose the Big Ten squad over hometown programs Alabama and Auburn as well as the Texas A&M Aggies.
Jones is ranked as the 18th overall prospect, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He is the No. 4 EDGE in the nation and the top prospect in the state of Alabama. Rivals ranks him as the No. 18 overall recruit in the country. The Ducks are now the No. 6 overall class per Rivals and now have four five-star commitments.
The one they call “Tank” spoke with 247Sports’ Tom Loy about the decision and what it ultimately came down to.
“The stability of the coaches,” Jones said. “They have NFL coaches. They let their players play and get after the quarterback. Coach Lanning is very cool. He stopped by the school. It feels like I’ve known him a while. It was smooth.”
Anthony Jones gives Oregon a “polished defender”, per 247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna.
“Physically imposing pass rusher in possession of a high-octane motor that allows him to generate pressures in both a two, or three point stance while operating in an odd front. Already north of 230-pounds as a rising senior, Jones displays a collegiate-ready frame in conjunction with an explosive lower half that bodes well for his ability to make an impact sooner rather than later at the next level. Although he’s not the most dynamic mover off the edge, the three-sport athlete makes good use of his ability to attack leverage while demonstrating the ability to win with quickness or power at the point of attack.
“A polished defender with a sneaky athletic profile, Jones appears more geared to add value as a run defender early in his collegiate career while projecting as a high-floor 3-4 outside linebacker who can also add situational pass-rush ability off the edge in obvious passing downs.”
Maybe an even bigger sting for the in-state programs is sources say if it wasn’t Oregon, it was going to be the Aggies. In the beginning of this recruitment, it was all in-state, Iron Bowl battle. Was it in-state pressure? Did it matter which SEC program he picked? Ultimately, I believe it was the pro mindset approach to Lanning’s program and the NFL pedigree in that building in Eugene.
Another 247Sports analyst gives his take on Anthony Jones’ day one impact potential.
“Jones should step onto campus and be an instant impact outside linebacker following the departures of Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti,” Mack said. “It will take time for him to develop into a near-finished product at the college level, just like it did for the two just mentioned, but when he gets there, he can be an all-around ace for the Ducks’ defense.
“This is one of the more intriguing and talented prospects Oregon has landed in my eyes in recent memory.”