In recruiting nowadays, numbers matter more than anything. Usually, it's the numbers that follow a dollar sign. With legalized NIL and revenue-sharing, money is typically the top priority for prospects as they figure out which college to go to.
In the aftermath of 5-star Anthony 'Tank' Jones committing to Oregon over home-state, childhood favorite Alabama, most Tide fans will believe, fairly or unfairly, that the decision was based on money and the seemingly limitless coffers made available to Dan Lanning and the Ducks thanks to Uncle Phil and Nike.
There's another number that will likely be in the mind of Oregon's newest commitment over the next four months until the early signing period in December. One that Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama coaching staff will consistently remind him.
2,659.
2,659 is the number of miles between Jones' hometown of Mobile, Alabama and Eugene, Oregon. It's an eight and a half hour flight. A miserable 40-hour drive. For a kid who is very close with his family and support system in south Alabama, it's a number that could ultimately feel larger than whatever NIL/Rev-Share money is on the table.
Kalen DeBoer's major bounceback in the state of Alabama recruiting shouldn't be discounted
In the wake of Jones committing to Oregon, you'll see bad faith arguments about Kalen DeBoer being unable to seal the deal with the state's top prospect. That ignores that the next three guys ranked behind him - WR Cederian Morgan, RB Ezavier Crowell, and CB Zyan Gibson - are all currently committed to the Crimson Tide.
Preconceived notions about how difficult DeBoer would have it recruiting in the south will be reinvigorated. Again, that will be wilful ignorance, too. Alabama signed a Top 5 class a year ago in DeBoer's first full recruiting cycle. They are on track to sign another Top 5 class this year.
And the pursuit of Jones won't end. He's committed to Oregon now. Will that stick through December's signing period? That remains to be seen. Alabama will continue to pursue him. OLB coach Christian Robinson will continue to talk with him, planting the seeds of an eventual flip.
Robinson did excellent work with 5-star Xavier Griffin, continuing to talk with him even after he committed to USC. Robinson's work while Griffin was "off the board" proved incredibly important to Alabama landing him after he decommitted from USC.
And even if he sticks with the Ducks, Alabama has a talented class already. They also still have some options out there that they will pursue with more vigor following this commitment. All the while, consistently reminding Jones of the 2,659 reasons to stay home.