Port Arthur Memorial quarterback Keitha Jones is no longer heading west, but east.

Jones announced Monday on Twitter he has de-committed from a verbal commitment to SMU and plans to sign with Tulane.

Jones’ decision comes almost two months after Chad Morris left the SMU head coaching position to take the same role at Arkansas. Sonny Dykes was hired to replace Morris on Dec. 11.

“After a long process, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior for blessing me with the opportunity to play College Football on the next level and further my education at the highest level,” Jones wrote in his Twitter message. “I’d like to thank all of the schools who gave me a chance to do what I love! I’d like to give a special thanks to My Mom , Dad , Coach Kenny Harrison & Coach Cornelius Harmon, you guys pushed me beyond hard and molded me not only into a football player , but a young man! With that being said I’d like to verbally announce that I will be de-committing from Southern Methodist University. I also would like to announce that I will be spending the next 3-4 years of my like as a STUDENT ATHLETE at Tulane University! [Wave icon] #RollWave #UptownBound18”

Also Monday, Memorial linebacker Greg Laday announced his intention to sign with Northern Colorado, a Football Championship Subdivision program in the Big Sky Conference. Northern Colorado will open the 2018 season at home against McNeese State on Sept. 1.

Jones and Laday led Memorial to a District 22-5A co-championship each of the last two seasons.

Jones’ commitment to Tulane means that SMU has lost a recruit to another member of the American Athletic Conference. SMU went 7-6, losing to Louisiana Tech 51-10 in the Frisco Bowl under Dykes.

Tulane ended its season with a 41-38 loss to SMU, missing out on bowl eligibility with a 5-7 record.

National Signing Day is Feb. 7.

— I.C. Murrell