Texas A&M turns up the heat on ballyhooed five-star pass-rusher who projects as foundational piece as commitment date nears
After holding out as one of the few remaining uncommitted five-star prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, Anthony "Tank" Jones is almost ready to make his decision. The Mobile, Alabama, native is favored to state in state and be a foundational piece for the Crimson Tide, but not so fast on etching that in pen, […]
After holding out as one of the few remaining uncommitted five-star prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, Anthony "Tank" Jones is almost ready to make his decision. The Mobile, Alabama, native is favored to state in state and be a foundational piece for the Crimson Tide, but not so fast on etching that in pen, per a recent report.
The top player in Alabama stands 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, and his father revealed his decision is "coming soon." After chasing Jones for more than two years, Texas A&M and Mike Elko are about to get an answer as to whether they caught lightning in a bottle with their pitch to him.
They have their work cut out for them, though, as the Tide and Oregon Ducks aren't going anywhere in this chase. Despite optimism around Alabama, Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman have "recruited Jones the hardest" and "they've been on the gas" in their efforts.
“Just the genuine people and consistency keeps me excited about the Aggies,” Jones has said.
“The position coaches are a big reason why Texas A&M is so high on my list and the way Coach Bateman uses the big end position.”
On3 also added there is optimism around College Station they can land Jones. Texas A&M has already built a top six recruiting class for 2026, but Jones would likely catapult them into the top two across every service.
Here's a scouting report on Jones from 247Sports' 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 OLB that can also add situational pass rush ability off the edge in obvious passing downs.
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