Alabama freshman wide receiver paying homage to Julio Jones with number choice

November 13, 2010; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Julio Jones (8) is tackled by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Charles Mitchell (36) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s freshman wide receiver and Benjamin Russell product Cederian Morgan is paying homage to Julio Jones by sporting the No. 8 jersey.

Morgan confirmed this was his intention by posting an image of Jones to his Instagram story after it was revealed he would wear No. 8 as a freshman.

Morgan and Jones had similar paths to Alabama. Both are natives of the state of Alabama and were highly sought-after wide receivers. They also have similar frames, with Jones standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds. Morgan was listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds when Alabama announced he signed with them.

The freshman was thought of as one of the most sure-handed wide receivers Touchdown Alabama had ever evaluated. His dependable hands, frame and athleticism made him a consistent mismatch.

Alabama 5-Star WR commit Cederian Morgan @cedeian2 goes up and snags it over two defenders for 6. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/EoXiD3FRCi

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) September 6, 2025

Alabama coaches and players had high praise for Morgan when he joined the Tide for Rose Bowl prep. Ryan Grubb went as far as to say it would not take long for Morgan to get on the field.

First look at Alabama freshman WR Cederian Morgan in Rose Bowl prep.

He seemed to have made a smooth transition. pic.twitter.com/tYeQqyuqNP

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) December 28, 2025