Anthony "Tank" Jones inherits a growing tradition of great Oregon pass rushers

On X, former Pro Duck and Oregon offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz encouraged Duck fans to remember the first rule of recruiting. "Just remember the rule of recruiting. If they commit to Oregon it’s for the money. If that player commits elsewhere it’s for the love of that program," he said.

When Mobile, Alabama five-star edge rusher Anthony "Tank" Jones committed to Oregon over the home-state Crimson Tide, "Recruits Bama" said the decision "could be the BIGGEST recruiting Whiff in Alabama history."

Whew. Dan Lanning lost three games to Kalen DeBoer in his first two years as a head coach, each by a field goal, but he's been exacting revenge ever since, snatching the No. 1 recruit out of Alabama the last two seasons, five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord last season, The Tank in the class of 2026.

As Schwartz said, everyone's thoughts (particularly bitter opposing fans) turn to the money, but Jones himself insisted relationships and development drove his decision. He told Ben Thomas and a flock of Yellowhammer State reporters, "Coach Lanning and Tosh Lupoi, I know they can develop me to the next level, and the history of them having a lot of interest in the league, I feel like they can get me to the next level with an NFL scheme."



"It's somewhere I can grow. I can be a better person, a better man. They'll prepare me for life."

Make no mistake, Jones is the real deal as a 2026 prospect. At Duck Sports Central Scott Reed wrote, "Tank Jones isn’t just another addition to the class. He’s the type of player who can anchor a defense, energize a fanbase, and help Oregon take the next step in its championship climb. Now the mission is clear: keep him in the class, and build around him." 

The Ducks are building quite a legacy for defensive ends/edge rushers. Over the last ten seasons they've passed the torch from 10-year NFL veteran DeForest Buckner to Unanimous All-American Kayvon Thibodeaux to Big Ten sack leader Matayo Uiagalelei and now Anthony "Tank" Jones, high-impact recruits all. Uiagalelei might make it three first-rounders at the position.

In his scouting report on Jones, Reed wrote, "Jones is already well-developed physically at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, with a powerful build and strong lower body that allows him to generate impressive torque and explosion out of both two- and three-point stances. "

"While not the twitchiest edge rusher in the class, he more than compensates with leverage, violent hands, and a relentless motor. A three-sport athlete, Jones brings sneaky athleticism and coordination, traits that show up repeatedly on film in both pass-rushing reps and backside pursuit."

The 6-3, 245 senior is a well-rounded athlete. He plays basketball at St. Paul's Episcopal School and won the 6A State Championship in the discus, a silver in the shot put. 

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