4-star LB Cayden Jones commits to Alabama Crimson Tide

Arden (N.C.) Christ School four-star linebacker Cayden Jones has announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Jones picked the Crimson Tide over North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and USC.

“The tradition,” Jones told On3 following his latest visit. “The vibe and the understanding of just knowing how everyone holds themselves to a great standard of excellence. It’s just a different feeling. Everyone is grinding for the natty and the chance at greatness. That’s just something I would want to be a part of.”

The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder is the No. 167 overall prospect and No. 17 linebacker in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 2 player in North Carolina.

Alabama extended an offer to Jones on Jan. 28 during his first trip to campus. He was back on camp on April 14.

“It was good to catch up with Jihaad [Campbell] and Shawn [Murphy],” Jones said. “I got to spend time with them on my junior day. I got to see them practice. That was cool. Jihaad is funny. He’s cool. He was giving a little insight [into his time at Bama].”

Cayden Jones currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $79K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

For more Alabama recruiting intel, check out BamaInsider.

Jones is another blue-chip recruit in a loaded Alabama class

Finishing with one of the top recruiting classes in the country is nothing new for Nick Saban and co. After finishing with No. 1 class in 2023, the Crimson Tide have carried that momentum into the 2024 cycle.

With only six commitments, Alabama doesn’t have as many commitments as schools like Ohio State or Georgia. However, the Crimson Tide do have three players ranked in the top-100 and five ranked in the top-300.

Alabama’s other commitments include five-star quarterback Julian Sayin, five-star athlete Jaylen Mbakwe, four-star wide receiver Perry Thompson, four-star linebacker Sterling Dixon and four-star wide receiver Rico Scott.

The Crimson Tide’s class currently ranks as the No. 3 class in the country and No. 2 in the SEC.