**Alabama Commit Xavier Griffin Wants Anthony “Tank” Jones to Stay Put in His Home State**
The world of college football recruiting is never short of drama, intrigue, and high-stakes decisions. One of the most compelling storylines unfolding in the 2025 cycle involves Alabama commit Xavier Griffin and his efforts to keep fellow standout Anthony “Tank” Jones from leaving their home state. Griffin, a highly touted wide receiver who pledged to the Crimson Tide earlier this year, has made it no secret that he wants Jones—a dominant defensive lineman—to join him in Tuscaloosa rather than take his talents elsewhere.
For Griffin, this isn’t just about building a stronger recruiting class—it’s about pride, loyalty, and the belief that the best players from Alabama should represent their home state at the highest level. Jones, a 6’4”, 290-pound force in the trenches, has seen his stock skyrocket over the past year, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. With offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, and Clemson, the battle for his commitment is fierce. But Griffin is determined to make sure Jones understands the value of staying home.
Griffin and Jones have known each other for years, having competed against one another in high school and trained together during offseason camps. Their relationship extends beyond the typical recruit-to-recruit dynamic; there’s a genuine friendship and mutual respect. Griffin has used that bond to his advantage, frequently communicating with Jones about the benefits of playing for the Crimson Tide.
“We talk all the time,” Griffin said in a recent interview. “I tell him, ‘Man, why leave when we can do something special right here?’ Alabama is the standard, and if we both go there, we can help keep it that way. Plus, our families can come watch us every weekend. That’s big.”
Griffin’s pitch isn’t just emotional—it’s strategic. He highlights Alabama’s track record of developing NFL talent, the unmatched resources available to players, and the chance to compete for national championships year in and year out. But perhaps his strongest argument is the opportunity for Jones to be part of a legacy. Alabama has produced some of the greatest defensive linemen in college football history, from Jonathan Allen to Quinnen Williams, and Jones could be the next in that lineage.
For elite recruits like Jones, the decision often comes down to more than just football. While Alabama offers proximity and tradition, other schools present their own selling points. Georgia, for instance, has become a defensive powerhouse under Kirby Smart, churning out first-round picks like Travon Walker and Jordan Davis. Ohio State’s reputation for developing defensive stars, combined with its high-profile games, makes it an attractive option. Then there’s LSU, which has a history of turning defensive linemen into superstars, as seen with the rise of players like Arden Key and Michael Brockers.
Still, Griffin believes the emotional connection to Alabama should carry significant weight. “At the end of the day, this is where we’re from,” he said. “When you put on that Alabama jersey, it means something different to us because we grew up watching those guys. We know what it represents.”
Jones has remained relatively quiet about his recruitment, keeping his options open while taking official visits. However, those close to him say the idea of staying in-state has always been appealing. His family has emphasized the importance of education and comfort, and playing close to home would allow them to be heavily involved in his college career.
If Jones chooses Alabama, it wouldn’t just be a win for the Crimson Tide—it would send a message to other top in-state recruits. In recent years, programs like Georgia and Clemson have successfully plucked talent from Alabama, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Tide’s coaching staff. Securing Jones would reinforce the idea that the best players in the state don’t need to look elsewhere to achieve their dreams.
Griffin understands the bigger picture. “We’ve got so much talent here, and if we keep it together, nobody can stop us,” he said. “Look at what happened when guys like Julio Jones and Derrick Henry stayed home. They became legends. That could be Tank. That could be all of us.”
As Jones’ decision day approaches, Griffin plans to ramp up his efforts. Whether it’s through group chats, in-person visits, or social media campaigns, he’s making sure Jones feels the pull of Alabama. The Tide’s coaching staff is also heavily involved, with head coach Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack making Jones a top priority.
But in the end, the choice belongs to Jones. Will he follow the path of so many Alabama greats and stay home, or will he venture out to create his own legacy elsewhere? Griffin hopes it’s the former.
“I’m not pressuring him,” Griffin said. “I just want him to know what it would mean to all of us if he stayed. We could do something special together. And when we look back years from now, we’ll know we did it for Alabama.”
The recruitment of Anthony “Tank” Jones is far from over, but one thing is clear: Xavier Griffin isn’t giving up without a fight. For him, this is about more than just football—it’s about pride, brotherhood, and the belief that home is where championships are built.
