Former Alabama running back Tyren Jones gave his official committal to the South Carolina Gamecocks Sunday night, adding another piece to the team’s backfield.
Jones, a transfer from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, committed to South Carolina after just one visit to the school. South Carolina was Jones’ only official visit, but he did pay an unofficial visit to Auburn for the Iron Bowl in November.
The 5-foot-9, 212-pound running back last appeared in a Crimson Tide uniform in 2014, his freshman season. Jones, a four-star recruit coming out of high school according to ESPN, rushed for 224 yards on 36 attempts and two touchdowns in 2014 while splitting carries with T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry.
The talent is evident in Jones, but lack of discipline is what made his Alabama career a short-lived one. Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban suspended the running back at one point for failing to comply with team rules. While suspended, Jones was arrested for drug possession, which ultimately forced Saban to dismiss Jones.
Jones joined the Hutchinson Blue Dragons for the 2015 season as a junior college transfer, with the intent to continue his college football career afterward. Jones rushed for 658 yards and five touchdowns on 106 attempts last season.
With senior Brandon Wilds graduating this spring, there was a clear void left to fill in the backfield by head coach Will Muschamp. It’s unlikely Jones will be an every down running back, especially with his slight frame, but he’s yet another solid addition to Muschamp’s recruiting class.
South Carolina currently has six enrollees, highlighted by four-star quarterback Brandon McIlwain and four-star wide receiver Bryan Edwards. Muschamp has also received committals from four-star cornerback Jamarcus King and four-star offensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
South Carolina’s incoming freshman class is ranked 31, according to 247sports.com.