Fab Four: Selecting Alabama football’s Mount Rushmore of all-time recruits

On the eve of early signing day, Roll Tide Wire recalls the most hyped commits in school history.

Julio Jones, Wide Receiver

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Class: 2008

Rating: Five-star / No. 3 overall / No. 1 WR (0.9992)

Home town: Foley, Alabama

High school: Foley High School

All-time school commits: No. 4

Breakdown: It is almost criminal Julio Jones is only the No. 4 all-time recruit at Alabama. In our opinion, he should be the clear-cut No. 1 option. His importance to the program is unrivaled.

The five-star from Foley instantly became the face of Nick Saban’s rising program in 2008, and he was a perfect ambassador — both on and off the field — for the growing brand.

Statistically, he doesn’t come close to touching the numbers of others, such as DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley. But those were different times back then. He still totaled 2,653 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during his three seasons.

Following his collegiate career, the Atlanta Falcons made a bold choice, moving up to No. 6 overall to take Jones in the 2011 NFL draft. He has rewarded them for that decision by becoming the top receiver in the league.

In 9.5 seasons, Jones has produced 12,802 yards and 60 touchdowns for his team. There have been only two seasons in which the 6-foot-3, 220-pound specimen didn’t break 1,000 yards. His rookie year (959 yards) and the season he only played five games (580).

More Mount Rushmores from the College Wire Network:

Bama / Aub / Fla / LSU / Tenn. / UGA // Mich. / Mich St. / Ohio St. / Wisc. // Okla. / Texas // ND // USC