Jones leads a strong group in Alabama
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While having a prospect that could be the best in the country occupying a top spot in the state rankings is always going to be good for making headlines nationally, it's what is behind Julio Jones that makes the Class of 2008 in the state of Alabama and the Rivals.com Alabama top 30 special.
There is no denying that Jones is special right now and will be special in college and beyond, but there are some very impressive prospects, highlighted by a slew of jumbo athlete-types. Those are bigger prospects that can run. They typically play on the defensive line, which is one of the hardest positions to recruit for because great athletes at that position are so rare.
This year in Alabama, though, Glenn Harbin, William Green, Undra Billingsley, Courtney Upshaw, Brandon Lewis and Jomarcus Savage all are among the nation's best jumbo athlete prospects. The fact that the state of Alabama has so many guys like this makes it somewhat of a gold mine this year.
That's why it's not a stretch to say that the state has 15 prospects that should be rated four stars or higher by Rivals.com. It's the rarity and the talent combined that give this class a special quality.
Here's a look at the top five behind Jones.
Mountain Brook offensive tackle Tyler Love is part of an outstanding group of prospects at his position nationally. Alabama, Florida and others all want Love badly.
Prichard Vigor athlete Burton Scott is a versatile, explosive player who could project at a number of positions at the college level, most likely in the defensive secondary or at slot receiver. Recently, Scott named Florida his leader.
Scott isn't the only versatile prospect in the state or even the Mobile area. In fact, versatility is a strength of many Class of 2008 prospects in Alabama.
Saint Paul athlete Mark Barron is a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder with excellent size and speed. He could be special at a number of positions, though, including running back, wide receiver or outside linebacker, at the college level.
Hoover Spain Park's Green is an elite pass rusher that also could play outside linebacker.
Jones is the best prospect to come out of Foley High since Kenny Stabler and could be one of the best that Alabama has ever produced. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder runs a legitimate 4.45-second 40-yard yard dash and has posted a 40-plus inch vertical leap on several occasions.
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