Julio Jones

Julio Jones was born in Foley, Alabama, USA as Quintorris Lopez Jones. His mother Queen gave him the nickname Julio when he was in the 7th grade. He grew up in a violent neighborhood, but his mother was strict and worked hard to keep him out of trouble and pushed him to do well. Julio became a star football player for Foley High School where he started on offense and defense. He was also a starter on the basketball team and he ran track. He won the Alabama state championship in the long jump and triple jump in 2006 and 2007. He was named the 2006-07 Gatorade T&F Athlete of the Year. He was already being recruited to play football by colleges all over the nation by his sophomore season. By the end of his junior season he was considered the #1 wide receiver prospect and top 5 overall prospect in the nation. On February 6, 2008, Jones committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on National Signing Day, announcing his decision live on ESPNU. Jones started playing football for Alabama during a time when they weren't having much success and he immediately became a local celebrity. He would frequently get stopped in public to sign autographs for several minutes. He became a starter at wide receiver during his freshman season. He helped Alabama start the season with 12 wins and 0 losses as well at a 1 ranking in all of the major polls. Alabama won the SEC West championship, but lost the SEC championship game and the Sugar Bowl to finish 12-2 and ranked #6 nationally. He Associated Press named Julio the SEC Freshman of the Year. Preceding the 2009 football season, Julio Jones was voted to the All-SEC Coaches' Football Team (first team), one of only four players to be voted such unanimously. Jones helped Alabama finish the season undefeated as SEC and National Champions. Jones ended his Junior campaign with an Alabama record 78 catches and 1,133 yards along with seven touchdowns which was good for 4th best in Alabama history.. He also had eight rushes for 135 yards and two touchdowns along with five punt returns for 44 yards and five kickoff returns for 129 yards. Jones ended his Alabama career second in career receptions and yards in school history and fourth in touchdown catches. He had eight career 100-yard receiving games. Jones was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2010. Julio decided to forgo his senior season at Alabama and entered the 2011 NFL draft. The Atlanta Falcons traded up in the draft in order to select Julio as the 6th pick in the first round.