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Kentucky’s 2017 recruiting class took a big hit Tuesday night as four-star quarterback prospect Mac Jones flipped his commitment to Alabama. Jones released the following statement announcing the news via Twitter:
“I would like to thank the University of Kentucky for recruiting me, however, an opportunity of a lifetime has presented itself to my family and me. I am happy to say I will continue my football and academic career at the University of Alabama. I am 100 percent committed, Role Tide!”
Please respect my decision! I am 100% committed to the University Of Alabama! #RollTide #SEC pic.twitter.com/h92gsYhnBk
— Mac Jones (@MacJones_10) June 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/Cassidy_Rob/status/740333256416104449
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Jones had been committed to Kentucky since July 27, 2015. Despite receiving offers from Texas A&M, Missouri and Ole Miss among others since committed to UK, Jones had been firm in his commitment to the Wildcats for some time.
Jones is rated as a four-star prospect, the No. 14 pocket passer in the nation and the No. 284 overall prospect in the nation by 247Sports Composite Ratings.
Jones was also a participant in last week’s Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles, along with fellow 2017 Alabama quarterback commit Tua Tagovailoa. While Tagovailoa made the final round of the Elite 11 competition to be held in July, Jones just missed the cut after a solid showing at the Los Angeles event.
Alabama now has 11 total commitments lined up in their 2017 recruiting class, which now features two of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin helped land both signal callers, as he served as lead recruiter for both prospects.
Kentucky losing the commitment of Jones is a tough one to take, as several have noted on Twitter immediately following the news:
I don't blame Mac Jones…Alabama is Alabama…but forgive me if I don't believe a kid when they say they are "committed 100%" in the future
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) June 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/Dylan_Bickel/status/740337327818575873
Whoa. Mac jones flipped to Alabama?! Holy hell thats absolutely horrible news for Stoops and the fball program……
— B££ZY (@Burke_F_Garner) June 8, 2016
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
