Kendell Jones Commits to Alabama: 'The Hulk' Will Be a Dominant Defender in SEC

Last week was a roller coaster of sorts for Killeen, Texas, defensive tackle Kendell Jones Jr. In a matter of 24 hours last Thursday, he was committed to Alabama, not committed to Alabama and then the social-media messenger of a top-five list of schools—which he would ultimately decide from immediately after Friday's Shoemaker High School spring game.

When Friday concluded, Jones was SEC-bound. The Killeen Daily Herald's Jordan Mason noted the commitment: 

The 4-star lineman, with the appropriately fit nickname "The Hulk," verbally committed to Alabama and added to the Crimson Tide's budding class. Jones is the nation's No. 11 defensive tackle and the No. 66 player overall.

Jones gives Alabama its ninth pledge of the 2016 class. The Crimson Tide breathed a sigh of relief after a May 14 report announcing that Jones then committed to Alabama was shot down by Jones' father, Kendell Jones Sr.

The commitment also gives Alabama something that can't be taught—size. At 6'4½" and 361 pounds, Jones is a large, but slim, athlete who, to the naked eye, looks closer to 320 or 330 pounds. He possesses brute strength and deceptive speed for a guy of his stature, as he showcased at The Opening Dallas Regional, where he earned an invitation to the event finals in Beaverton, Oregon, in July. The Opening congratulated Jones on his decision:

Entering the week, the much-anticipated race was believed to come down to Texas and Alabama. Jones told Bleacher Report last week that he wanted to commit to the school "who wanted me there the most." He added that he wanted to be at a spot with "a family environment, good academics and a place where I can learn a lot and have fun."

Jones will get that in Tuscaloosa, and he'll learn a lot about the game of football from a coach who knows how to win championships in Nick Saban. He was recruited by defensive line coach Bo Davis and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.

Although committed, Jones is still expected to take visits to other campuses. According to his father, Jones will look to make trips to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and some of the other schools showing high interest in him.

In the meanwhile, Alabama is getting a player who can be an extremely disruptive defender on the line in the SEC. He bench presses 420 pounds, squats 600, deadlifts 610 and power cleans 335, and he will use that power to be a solid run-stopper.

Jones joins 3-star defensive tackle Raekwon Davis as a member of Alabama's defensive lineman class. Combined, the duo gives Alabama more than 13 feet and 670 pounds of interior toughness. Davis, who is 6'7" and 315 pounds, committed back in August of last year.

The Crimson Tide's defensive class also includes 4-star defensive back/athlete Shyheim Carter and 3-star safety Joshua Perry. Jones' addition makes a scary lineup even more intimidating.

In short, Jones' nickname fits him. And Alabama fans are looking to see him emerge into a dominant player sooner than later.

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