4-Star DT Kendell Jones Jr. Opens Up on Top 5: 'I Want a Family Environment'

When Thursday came to a conclusion, Kendell Jones Jr. was able to describe it with one word.

"Relieving," he said.

For Jones (first name pronounced ken-DELL), it wasn't an average Thursday. The massive 4-star Killeen, Texas, prospect—all 6'4 ½" and 361 pounds of him—and the nation's No. 11 defensive tackle, per 247Sports' composite, went from being "committed" to being "uncommitted" to announcing a top five in a matter of roughly seven hours.

Late Thursday, Jones took to social media and said that he would take his talents to either the Big 12 or the SEC.

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No order My Top 5 Colleges Are Alabama Texas Baylor Texas A&M LSU

— Kendell Jones Jr. (@HULKJONES50) May 15, 2015"

The Shoemaker High School star, nicknamed "The Hulk" because of his massive frame, saw Thursday take a weird turn of events when he saw reports that he committed to Alabama. His father, Kendell Jones Sr., went to social media following the report and quickly denied everything.

"I found out about [the commitment] on Twitter and then later on my phone," Jones Sr. said. "Then a few minutes later, my phone starting blowing up. I wanted to talk to him at school first. I didn't know what was going on. I didn't know if he told somebody something or what.

"It's funny how after something like this, people get your number who you've never talked to a day in your life. The popularity of it all is crazy. I mean, the Internet blew up. It's humbling and shocking, all glory to God."

Jones Jr. added: "I was like...'Oh, man. Who said this? Where did it come from?' I know it was blowing up at school, but I'm just glad we got it resolved."

The backlash from social media is warranted, as Jones is one of the most-wanted defensive linemen in the country. He showed insane power, deceptive elusiveness and agility at The Opening Dallas regional in March, walking away from the event not only with the defensive MVP award, but also an invitation to The Opening finals in July in Oregon.

Narrowing his top five from a reported list of 10, Jones said, was the toughest part. In the end, Alabama, Texas, Baylor, Texas A&M and LSU all had the same things in common.

"To me, it was all about who wanted me there the most," Jones said. "I wanted to know who wanted me no matter what. It wasn't really tough for me because I had my mom and my dad on my side."

Credit: 247Sports

A decision is scheduled to come next Friday, as May 22 is the date of Shoemaker's spring game. Originally, Jones Sr. said he wanted his son to make a choice in early 2016, but the family opted to a verbal commitment this month to help his son focus on academics and not have recruiting become a burden.

Jones Sr., however, did say that despite the upcoming commitment, he and his son will still take both unofficial and official visits. Jones is expected to balance trips with summer-school courses, as he's looking to get ahead in order to have a relaxing senior season.

While there is a top five, there's a chance for some other schools to still slide in and make a play for the defensive tackle.

"After summer school, I want him to still have a process," Jones said. "I want him to see Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and some of the other schools we haven't been to yet."

Jones, who told Bleacher Report in March that he wanted to go to college to study psychology, said he has a solid relationship with the head coaches, defensive coordinators and defensive line coaches from all five schools. Comfort won't be a problem with wherever he plays.

For now, it's all about finding the best overall fit, and Jones said he will weigh all five of his options from now until May 22. The next seven days will be difficult, but he knows what he wants in a winning program.

"I'm looking for a team that will put God first in everything I do," he said. "I want a family environment, good academics and a place where I can learn a lot and have fun."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles