4-star DL Edric Hill commits to Alabama: "They are on a different level"

Edric Hill just couldn’t wait any longer. The No. 103 prospect in the On300 was scheduled to commit on Sept. 24, but pushed his decision up a month because he knew where he wanted to go.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound four-star defensive lineman out of Kansas City (Mo.) North Kansas City actually could have moved the date up even earlier. This decision was made when he left his official visit to Alabama late in June.

“I actually told coach Freddie Roach of my decision at the end of my official visit,” Hill told On3. “I started having that feeling about Alabama when I was on an unofficial visit earlier this year. Being around the people, talking with the coaches, and seeing how they do things make me want to be a part of it.

“They are on a different level. I want to practice against the best. I want to play with the best. Alabama will put me in that position. They develop players, the players go against great players every day, and that is what makes Alabama stand out to me.”

Edric Hill likes Alabama’s work ethic

Hill has visited Alabama four times. He saw a game last fall, he took his official visit this summer, and he took two more unofficial visits in between.

He likes the feeling around Tuscaloosa.

“I feel everyone is chasing their goals together at Alabama,” Hill said. “The players have a special focus there. They work hard and chase their goals to be great. Everyone plays together and wants the same thing at Alabama.”

Nick Saban has won six national championships at Alabama and he has seven rings overall. Hill feels that winning attitude when he’s on campus.

“It is a championship vibe at Alabama. The coaches work hard, the players work hard, and everyone there wants to be great. How they do things is a big part of why I chose Alabama.”

Chance to play for Nick Saban is too good to pass up

Not many are going to argue with Hill about Saban being the best college football coach ever. He is a winner, he has set a standard at Alabama, and Hill can’t wait to play for him.

“Coach Saban is the GOAT. Honestly, it is a blessing to have the opportunity to play for him. It is like a dream that is coming true.

“Coach Saban is a great coach with a lot of great history. I will be part of his team and I can’t wait to ride with coach Saban.

“Not only is he the GOAT on the field, has a funny personality, and he is fun to be around. When he is serious, he is serious, but he has that funny side too.”

Alabama is the right fit

Hill’s grandfather is from Alabama. He lived in Birmingham. So the No. 3 prospect in Missouri knows about the Crimson Tide. He is aware of the history. That excites him.

“My father’s side of the family lived in Birmingham, so I know about Alabama and what they have been doing,” Hill said. “It is a program that plays in the SEC, the best conference.

“Alabama is a great team in a great league with great talent. Playing at Alabama is a great way to get to the NFL. I will go against great players in practice and great players in games.

“Alabama has had a lot of great football and now I get to be a part of it.”

Hill not only gets to play for Saban, but he is looking forward to playing for coach Roach.

“Coach Roach is a great dude. He is a great coach that can joke, then get serious. He is that guy I can have fun with, trust, and get better with. Coach Roach recruited me hard, I know him well, and he will really help me when I get to Alabama.”

Oregon finished No. 2 in the race for Hill. He thinks highly of the Ducks, but there was only one school for him.

“Everything at Alabama is right for me. I feel comfortable there. The coaches are great. I love the Business Program they offer academically. The players are like family.

“Everyone wants the best for one another at Alabama and that is what I want to be a part of.”