Julian Jones, a rising young football star in Alabama, has died of apparent suicide. The Hazel Green High School defensive end was pronounced dead Monday, and the Madison County coroner
confirmed suicide as the cause of death, WHNT 19 News reported.
The son of former NFL tight end Anthony Jones was expected to be a top college football recruit and already had been scouted by programs at Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State.
Jones, a junior from Huntsville, Alabama, was considered one of the state’s Top 20 overall football prospects for the class of 2016.
At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Jones played defensive end and tight end and was noted for his persistence, focus, and drive on the field.
Hazel Green coach Matt Putnam
told AL.com earlier this year that Jones demonstrated leadership, describing him as “the kind of kid you wish they all were like.”
Tuesday, Putnam took to Twitter to grieve the loss of what could have been: “The entire Trojan Family is devastated by the loss of Julian. Our love, thoughts & prayers go out to his entire family. He will be missed.”
Classmates and teammates also flooded social media to express condolences, as well as their shock and sorrow.
Jones’ last football appearance was Friday, Oct. 3. Hazel Green soundly defeated Sparkman 58-20.
The hashtag #FAMI11Y, set up by teammates and friends, trended on Twitter Tuesday. Jones was No. 11.
As the Huntsville community struggled with the sudden loss, First Baptist Church said it would open its doors for grieving students and residents seeking peace and prayer.
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