Photo by John Middlebrook
Cyrus Jones is one of the most dynamic open-field runners in the country.
Cyrus Jones, the No. 88 recruit in the country according the MaxPreps.com, had just two words when asked his college choice on Thursday.
"Roll Tide," he told a national television audience.
Jones, who had just returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown at the Under Armour All-American game, announced that he picked Alabama over Virginia Tech and Ohio State.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound receiver and defensive back from
Gilman (Baltimore, Md.) is considered the Percy Harvin of this year's class. According to CBS/MaxPreps recruiting expert Tom Lemming, Jones in an instinctive player with excellent leaping ability, timing and anticipation.
He also can keep a secret.
Evidently he's known for the better part of the month where he will be attending college, but he kept it under wraps before making his announcement Thursday.
Virginia Tech was always a leader because several Baltimore area kids are on the team and one of his best friends, J.C. Coleman of Oscar Smith already committed to the Hokies.
Alabama has always been on Jones' short list because of how assistant Sal Sunseri has so aggressively recruited him. He also had a tremendous visit to Tuscaloosa in Oct.
"People care about you down there," Jones said. "It's the place I felt most comfortable and ready to spend the next four years."
Lemming said Alabama will be getting a dynamic player in the open field. Jones has run the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and has a vertical jump of 37.4 inches.
"He shows remarkable vision, quickness, shiftiness and breakaway speed," he said. "He seems to possess all the tools for future stardom. He's remarkable in the open field and once he latches onto the ball, look out."
Though he scored his touchdown on defense Thursday, he plans to play offense at Alabama.
"I'm going down there to make my dreams come true and play at the next level," Jones said.