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TE, 6'4, 240, 4.7, 315 bp
Tuscaloosa, AL
Nickname: TJ
High School: Central
HS Number: 92
AL Number: 82
Official Visits: Alabama, Indiana
Second Choice: Indiana or Georgia Tech
Host During Alabama Visit: Jason Jones
Committed: January 8, 1998
Family Ties: Son of Tide's strength coach
Academic Status: Qualified
Stats
HS Junior Season
Tackles
Interceptions
Honors
- All-State
- Preseason Super Seniors Team
Stories
Did Not Play
Did not play. Those three short words sum up Terry Jones’ senior season. Why he did not play is a long story.
Last summer TJ played in several basketball tournaments. As a result he missed a few of Central’s off-season football workouts. Central coach Buzz Busby demanded that the workouts be made up. TJ refused. Neither side relented. So TJ spent his senior season watching from the sidelines instead of playing.
"It was tough watching them," TJ says. "I was looking forward to having a great senior season."
As a junior TJ earned First-Team All-State honors and was headed for bigger and better things.
"[National recruiting expert] Tom Lemming told me last summer that I was on his Reebok Preseason All-American Team," TJ says. "See what I missed out on by not playing? I could’ve helped my team. I could’ve done something for myself. Those are things that I’ll never be able to change. But I’m just glad that it’s all behind me now."
He should be glad, glad to be able to put the past behind him, for his obstinacy could have cost him more dearly.
"There were some times, especially last season, when I wondered if I’d ever have the chance to play at Alabama," TJ says. "I’m glad I’ve got the chance. I just can’t wait for next season."
How’s The Knee?
In January TJ suffered an injury to his right knee while playing a basketball.
"We were playing Prattville and I was going for a rebound," TJ says. "When I was coming down one of their guys was under me. I tried to avoid him and my knee just buckled."
The injury required surgery to remove part of the platella tendon and repair the ACL. As of late February TJ was still in a cast. He was to begin jogging and catching some passes by mid-March.
"By the end of May the knee will be 100%," TJ says. "It shouldn’t even be a factor in whether I play next season."
Like Father, Like Son
TJ is following his father’s footsteps to Alabama. Terry Jones, Sr., was an All-SEC center for the Tide in ‘76. The next season he was named All-SEC as a noseguard.
"It’s a honor for me to do something that my dad has done," TJ says. "I want to make the same kind of contribution to the university that he did."
The Joneses will be the first African-American father and son to play for the Crimson Tide.
What’s In A Number?
TJ wore number 92 in HS, but plans to wear number 82 at Alabama. Why switch?
"It was Ozzie Newsome’s number. That’s one of the main reasons I want it."
Newsome and Terry Jones, Sr., were teammates at Alabama.
Q&A
TI: TJ, do you think the layoff from football will be a problem for you?
TJ: At first it’ll probably wear on me. I’ve just got to get my mean streak back and be ready to bust some heads. I think I’ll be back to normal after a few practices.
TI: Considering your layoff and knee injury, do you expect to redshirt next season?
TJ: I’m preparing to contribute next season. My dad and I have already started working on my upper body. When my physical therapist gives me the okay, I’m going to work my lower body. I’ll be ready to play before August.
TI: In basketball you’re a forward. I’ve always heard that power forwards would make great tight ends.
TJ: Tight ends and power forwards are about the same size. They’re quick, have good hands, and are physical. It takes a great athlete to play those positions.
TI: Does that describe you?
TJ: I’m a lot like that. Basketball has helped me develop good quickness and hands. I can jump pretty good too. I’ll be comfortable at tight end.
TI: Do you plan to play basketball at Alabama?
TJ: That’s not decided yet. I’d like to play both, but I’m going to wait and see how everything turns out. Right now I’m thinking football.
TI: When you sat out this past season there were a lot of rumors about your desire to play football. Some people said that you really didn’t like football.
TJ: Basketball is my first love because I’ve been playing the game for so long. But I like football a lot too. My junior year I had a great time playing football. It was very difficult for me to sit out last season.
TI: Finally, is playing for Alabama a dream for you?
TJ: It’s something that I’ve always thought about. The university has so much tradition. Just to have a chance to become part of that is unbelievable.
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