Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.
Next up on the list, four-star wide receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell.
Thaiu Jones-Bell, Wide Receiver
Hometown: Opa Locka (Fla.)
High school: Miami Carol City
Size: 5-11, 187
247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 101 overall / No. 20 WR
Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 177 overall / No. 34 WR
Commitment date: May 20, 2019
Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019
Where does he fit in? Jones-Bell probably won’t be afforded many opportunities to make a significant impact for Alabama in 2020. But that’s not a reflection of his talent, as he’s already shown a skill set that will fit in nicely with the offense.
Like with many of the Crimson Tide’s current receivers, Jones-Bell has the versatility to play the X, Z and H-receiver spots. He can attack opposing defenses downfield or be utilized in an RPO-styled offense with quick slants and other short-yardage routes.
We still don’t officially know the status of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith, but it looks like the latter two could return in 2020. If that happens, Jones-Bell’s ceiling would probably be a rotational No. 5 or 6 receiver.
The 2021 season could be a different story, however.
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