The Associated Press

FOLEY, Ala. (AP) &045; Foley High School receiver Julio Jones, one of the nation’s top recruits, said Wednesday he will play for Alabama.

The Parade All-American announced his decision in a news conference televised by ESPNU from his high school. Jones chose the Crimson Tide over Oklahoma and a host of other schools.

He was rated the nation’s No. 2 prospect by ESPN while Scout.com rated him the third-best and Rivals.com had him fourth.

Jones said he made his choice based on “where I feel most comfortable and where I feel like home is at.” It was welcome news for Tide fans, some of whom chanted “Julio” during his visit for the Alabama-LSU basketball game on Saturday.

Even before Jones announced his decision, Alabama’s class was rated by at least one recruiting service as the nation’s best.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder was named Alabama’s Mr. Football after catching 143 passes for 2,434 yards and 30 touchdowns over his last two seasons, despite missing all or part of four games with injuries as a senior.

Jones was a key recruit for the Tide and will certainly get a chance to early playing time. New offensive coordinator Jim McElwain must replace leading receiver DJ Hall, along with fellow seniors Matt Caddell and Keith Brown.