Top Alabama football recruit dies

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Top Alabama football recruit Julian Jones died Monday from an apparent suicide at the age of 16.

Jones is the son of former NFL tight end and Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones. Jones was a tight end from Hazel Green High School and was considered a top recruit for college football.

He already had scholarship offers from Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Auburn had shown interest.

"He grew up in football," said Hazel Green coach Matt Putnam. "He understands the game really well. He's athletic, big and long. He's 6-5, 6-6. He loves the game; he's a good leader. He'll be a junior next year and he's already taken over pretty big leadership role on the team. He's the kind of kid you wish they all were like."