ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Baltimore (Md.) athlete Cyrus Jones was one of several athletes to announce Thursday Night at the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game in front of a national audience and didn't surprise many by picking Alabama over Virginia Tech."The people down there really care about you and I felt most comfortable there," Jones said. "I'm ready to go spend four years there and make my dreams come true and get to the next level.
"Alabama is just a place that I fell in love with right off the bat. Great people, great coaches and great guys going to the school already. I'm ready to get down there and get the knowledge from the coaches already to make my dreams come true and play in the NFL."
The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder will likely head to college as a slot receiver but is versatile enough to play just about any skill position. Jones had offers from just about every program in the country but will head to Tuscaloosa as part of a huge recruiting haul for the Tide.
"I'm going to be playing slot, kind of what Marquis Maze is doing right now," he said. "I'm going to do punt returns and kick returns, stuff like that. Running routes and taking sweeps too, just trying to be explosive and use my talent. I want to make the best of my opportunity."
Jones informed the Alabama staff about a month ago of the decision and though he kept it a secret from just about everybody, is another great addition to the program's upcoming class.
"He's another ball player who can play on either side of the ball, return kicks and has proven to be a sure-handed and instinctive ball player with excellent leaping ability, timing and anticipation," analyst Tom Lemming said. "A big play receiver who 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. He turns up field quickly and shows good moves and superior speed. Quick as a cat, he can get in and out of his breaks like no one's business, he dominates most games, and must be double teamed at all times."
Jones is ranked as 7th best athlete in the class of 2012 by Maxpreps and 88th overall. He rushed for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns his senior season in addition to catching 39 passes for 635 yards and six touchdowns.
