Tide hopes to rediscover Jones in its offense

There’s some irony in that, too, because Jones’ popularity soared above rock-star status a long time ago in the state of Alabama. He shows up at shopping malls, and they might as well start setting up the barricades.

He’s the ultimate show-stopper, the player every Alabama fan wants to reach out and touch.

All you have to do is utter his first name, and heads turn in Linda Blair-like fashion.

“First they stare, and then they don’t believe it’s me,” Jones says in his own quiet way. “I really don’t go out much anymore.”

He’s been equally scarce in Alabama’s offense, at least the version of Jones that burst onto the scene last season as a freshman and paired with Georgia’s A.J. Green to provide the SEC with one of its hottest debates.

Who was the better receiver: Green or Jones?

A year later, that question has been amended: How is it that Jones has gone missing in the Crimson Tide’s offense?

“He’s a guy who needs to make plays for us,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “He’s got a lot of talent and a lot of ability. He’s got great size and speed. He’s a great competitor and has to become a part of the offense for us.”

Sooner rather than later, too.

If Jones can’t help loosen up the LSU defense Saturday with some bigger plays down the field, the Tigers will look like they have 14 or 15 guys up on the line of scrimmage.

“We had a lot of explosive plays and play-action down the field early in the year, and we’ve got to get back to that,” Alabama senior offensive guard Mike Johnson said.

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