Anthony Tank Jones, a five-star linebacker for St. Paul, has three schools to choose from.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound senior told On3/Rivals that Texas A&M, Alabama, and Oregon are his top three options.
Jones ended his junior year with 16 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, 38 assists, and 84 solo tackles. He had two interceptions as well.
He scored three receiving touchdowns and five rushing scores on offense. The Class 6A All-State first team member was also a finalist for Lineman of the Year.
He is ranked as the state’s second-best overall 2026 recruit according to the 247 Composite rankings. He is ranked No. 16 overall and No. 3 in the country for his position.
In January, Jones told AL.com that one of the most important factors in selecting the appropriate institution was relationships.
He stated, “I want to go somewhere where my parents can drop me off and feel comfortable; somewhere where I can graduate and receive a great education.” Being so near to home doesn’t matter to me, but it does have some influence. I suppose it’s about half and half.
Jones’ modest approach to the game and recruiting has been impressive, according to St. Paul’s coach Ham Barnett.
He said that it has been amazing to witness him change over the past three years from a reserved young man to someone who has broken out of his shell, speaks his thoughts, and is always respectful. That sort of applies to the field, in my opinion. He goes out there and plays hard for us, and the kids respect him.
Jones is one of just two athletes that have not committed out of the top five players in 247 Sports. Landon Duckworth, ranked number five, has committed for July 18. The other three, Gadsden City DB Zyan Gibson (No. 4), Jackson RB EJ Crowell (No. 3), and Benjamin Russell WR CD Morgan (No. 1), have already committed to Alabama.
Barnett stated on Wednesday that he thinks Jones will make a commitment later this month to AL.com.
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