Who is the best Alabama football recruit this century? There are many to choose from.
Over the years, Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have brought in five-star recruits like no other program in the land. There’s just something about playing for Alabama that will always be attractive to the top recruits every season.
But, which prospect who ended up signing with Alabama has been the best of the best since the turn of the century? According to the 247Sports all-time recruits for Alabama football, Cyrus Kouandjio is the highest-graded followed by Andre Smith and freshman quarterback Bryce Young. But when it comes to the best recruit, that goes to wide receiver Julio Jones who is the fourth-highest graded recruit, but his impact and legacy is why he’s the best.
Julio Jones went from being an Alabama star to the No. 6 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Coming out of Foley High in Foley, Ala., Jones had superstar potential written all over him. Not only was he a five-star target, but he was ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 player overall in the country by 247Sports for the 2008 class.
He had a boatload of offers, signing with Alabama over Florida, Florida State, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and many others. With his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame, everyone knew Jones had the chance to be an incredible pass-catcher for the Tide. He didn’t disappoint.
In his three years in Tuscaloosa, Jones posted 179 receptions for 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns. His senior year alone, Jones caught 78 balls for 1,133 yards and seven scores. After his brilliance with Alabama, he had the NFL written all over him. The Atlanta Falcons of course went on to trade up for him and take him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Since he landed with Atlanta, Jones has gone on to establish himself as arguably the best wideout in the game. From being a youngster from Foley High to being the most-feared wide receiver in the league truly is something.
But remember, he really got things going at Alabama, where he’ll forever be a program icon.
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