Alabama commit Jayson Jones open to visiting Tennessee

Tennessee needs beef up front, now particularly on the defensive side of the ball. An outstanding recruiting class during the 2019 cycle lacked some elite talent on the defensive line, which is something Jeremy Pruitt will be trying to fix during the 2020 cycle. One target is Jayson Jones, a high four-star prospect who checks in at 6-6, 340 pounds.

Prior to a visit to Tuscaloosa, Jones opened up about the changes that Alabama made on their staff over the winter. Nick Saban once again retooled his staff following a loss in the national championship game, bringing a total new look to Tuscaloosa. Jayson Jones, the state of Alabama’s top-ranked prospect, told AL.com that the changes have him rethinking his Alabama commitment.

“Coaches come and go. I obviously know that,” Jones said. “I just don’t have that same feel with Alabama that I had with the last coaching staff. I know I have to get used to them and build a relationship with each and every one of them, but I just don’t feel that mojo.”

Jones noted that he was still committed to the Tide, but he plans on exploring some options. Among those options are Tennessee, who could certainly use his size up front in Derrick Ansley and Jeremy Pruitt’s defense. Jones included Florida, Oregon, Michigan and Georgia along with the Vols.

Jones is the 38th ranked player in the country, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Tennessee offered him in January of 2018. Alabama’s new staff had a chance to make an impression on Jones this weekend during a junior day event.

Tennessee landed their first defensive lineman commit over the weekend, earning a pledge from four-star prospect Dominic Bailey. We’ll see if they can get Jones on campus for a visit this spring.