4-star DL Hunter Osborne staying home with Alabama

Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville four-star defensive lineman Hunter Osborne went to camp at Alabama in June. During his trip, he had a meeting with Nick Saban.

The Crimson Tide’s longtime head coach had high praise for the 6-foot-3, 250 pound prospect. It was highlighted by Saban telling Osborne that he belongs at Alabama.

That short phrase was enough for Osborne to realize that Tuscaloosa was where he belonged. He made it official on Monday when he announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide over Clemson,  Tennessee and Texas.

“How the players carry, how the coaches carry themselves… you have no choice but to believe that you’re around the best of the best and true champions,” Osborne told On3. “Everyone in the program is locked in and focused. I wanted to be around that because I want to be around guys that want to be great.”

How the Crimson Tide landed Osborne

Osborne, the No. 113 overall prospect and No. 12 defensive lineman in the 2023 On3 Consensus, took official visits to the Longhorns, Tigers and Volunteers in June. Even though he didn’t officially visit Alabama, Osborne took four unofficial visits with the Crimson Tide and estimates he has been on campus between eight to 10 times.

Earlier this summer, he was leaning “heavy” towards Clemson after his official visit on June 3. He felt a close bond with a lot of players on the Tigers. Tennessee impressed Osborne as well. His official to Knoxville on June 24 gave him “something to think about” for the coming months.

Yet the Crimson Tide didn’t bow out. In fact, Osborne said the Crimson Tide picked up their recruitment of him late last month. One of the key figures in this effort was defensive line coach Freddie Roach.

“The more people in the program that reached out to me, ultimately I realized that’s where I want to be in my heart,” Osborne said. “I know I want to win. I know I want to be developed. At Alabama, I know I want to go against the best of the best, day in and day out.”

What the future holds for Osborne at Alabama

Alabama’s lead recruiter for Osborne was Roach, who said the Crimson Tide want to use him on the right side in their defensive scheme. Current players in that role include Byron Young and Justin Eboigbe. Osborne also mentioned that the role involves his hand being on the ground before the snap.

The four-star recruit is looking forward to the opportunity of playing at Bryant-Denny Stadium, just over an hour away from his high school. He is also excited to represent his home state on one of the biggest stages in college football.

“I’m a local guy,” Osborne said. “I’m happy to put on and represent my state playing for the University of Alabama. Now, I’m just ready to work. I’m gonna do the best I can. I’m gonna put my all in and leave nothing out. To all the fans at the University of Alabama, you’ll get the most out of me.”