State's Top 10 prospects: (No. 6) Harrison Jones has plenty of ties to Alabama

By Drew Edwards

Originally published 11:25 p.m., July 8, 2009
Updated 11:25 p.m., July 8, 2009

Like a lot of younger siblings, Harrison Jones seeks the counsel of his older brother from time to time.

A 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end at Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, Jones talks to his brother a lot about the recruiting process. His brother, Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones, offers words of wisdom — and the occasional recruiting pitch, too.

“We for sure talk about a lot of stuff about recruiting, about what’s good in schools and what’s interesting,” said Harrison Jones, the News Sentinel’s No. 6 prospect in the state. “What he’s told me basically is to go to a place that has good people that I like, to go where I’ll feel the most comfortable spending the next four years of my life. Don’t look at just the facilities, the buildings, but more the people and where you fit in.”

And it’s Barrett’s opinion that Alabama is that place.

“Obviously being at Alabama, he’s telling me he wants me to come to Alabama,” Jones says, “but he knows it’s my choice.”

ECS coach Jim Heinz said that’s the case, despite connections to Alabama. In addition to his brother, who will be a sophomore this fall, Jones’ father, Rex, played college basketball at Alabama.

“This is not a tied-in thing with Alabama,” Heinz told the Commercial Appeal. “I think people need to realize that. Sometimes you have to be careful, because you don’t want that stigma, ‘That’s all I want is one school.’"

“Alabama’s a great school. Don’t get me wrong. … But I think (Jones) has got a wide-open mind about it. He’s an excellent student, and I think those other schools are right there on the line with them.”

Jones said he’s closing in on his decision and hopes to commit by the end of summer.

Tennessee hasn’t extended Jones an scholarship offer, but the roster of suitors is still impressive. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Stanford and Vanderbilt are in the running for his services.

At times, the recruiting process has been hectic, but Jones isn’t about to complain.

“At first, it was fun and new, getting to talk to all these people,” he said. “I don’t really like it much any more. But it’s been fun, and I’m really fortunate to be in this situation in the first place. I certainly won’t complain about it.”

A few opposing teams might complain about Jones this fall, though.

Heinz raves about Jones’ conditioning. And although his future lies at tight end, Jones sees action at wide receiver in four-receiver sets and other formations at ECS. Jones said colleges have told him he’d work best as an H-back, slot-receiver type than a traditional blocking tight end.

In short order, Jones expects to settle on a school. In the meantime, he’s enjoying a family trip out West — and the rest of his summer.

“I guess I would say I’m pretty laid back,” Jones said. “I love going out to Wyoming. It’s probably one of my favorite places. In Memphis, I just like to workout and play football, hang out with my friends and stay active as much as I can.”

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.