This could come down to a Saban vs. Smart battle
AUSTELL, Ga. — Jayson Jones is a large young man. He checked in at the Rivals 3-stripe came presented by adidas at 6-feet, 6-inches tall and he weighed 340 pounds.
He carries that weight very well. He is very strong and he was one of the top performers on the defensive line Sunday.
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The 2020 prospect out of Calera (Ala.) is used to celebrating July 4 every year with family and friends, but this year, it will be a little different. He will set off his own fireworks with some recruiting news.
"I will be committing to a school July 4 and I am looking forward to that," said Jones. "I do not see that changing either. I am pretty set on that date and I will be committing to someone that day. I will be ready."
At the mid way point in April, two SEC schools are battling at the top and the one neighboring his home state has the lead.
"Georgia has the slight edge over Alabama right now and I have a great relationship with coach [Tray] Scott. I was there about a month ago for a Junior Day and I love the environment.
"I really like the coaches at Georgia, but there is more to it than that. I like how they treat me and others that I have seen there. The environment is great and they make me feel comfortable. They made me feel special and that went a long way."
Jones will be back in Tuscaloosa this weekend for the Alabama spring game. The race it tight between the schools that played for the National Championship in January.
"Georgia and Alabama are very similar. Like Georgia, I can tell Alabama really does want me. What I like most about Alabama is the connection that I have with the team already. I love the new defensive line coach (Craig Kuligowski). He is a very intelligent guy. Coach Saban is a great person to talk too as well."
Clemson, LSU, Mississippi State and South Carolina were other schools Jones mentioned as contenders for his July commitment. He does plan to take quite a few visits in the coming months leading up to his decision.
He was asked if today was July 3, which school would commit to tomorrow? Jones said, "I wouldn't be able to. I still need some more time and to take more visits. I like Georgia and Alabama a lot, but each school has a different feeling and I have to get out and see schools for the first time and again.
"I will be ready to commit in July, but I am not ready now."
