4-Star EDGE Yhonzae Pierre stays home, commits to Alabama

Yhonzae Pierre picked up an offer from Alabama last May and everyone has been chasing the Crimson Tide since. The four-star EDGE out of Eufala (Ala.) has over 20 offers, but the Alabama offer was different.

Alabama is the school the No. 227 prospect in the On3 Consensus grew up dreaming about playing for. He has watched the in-state school win championships and he now has a chance to live out his dreams.

“I committed to Alabama over schools like Auburn and Georgia,” Pierre told On3. “Since I got the offer, Alabama has been my top school. It is the perfect fit for me. The way they work, how they compete, how they win, and how they develop players for the NFL is what I want to be a part of. Alabama is where I want to go.”

He has taken numerous visits to Tuscaloosa. Pierre has camped at Alabama, he has been there for a game, and he has spent time with coaches during a Junior Day. The No. 17 prospect in Alabama likes the fit.

“Alabama is where I can see myself being happy at. The coaches have great communication, they always show me love, and I love the campus. The players are cool, everyone has good relationships, and I know I can fit in well there.”

Nick Saban is more than just a great coach

Charles Kelly is Pierre’s lead recruiter. Those two have a good connection, but Nick Saban has been heavily involved too. Pierre is excited about playing for the coach that has won seven national titles.

“Coach Saban is the best,” Pierre said. “Not only is he a great coach, but he is a teacher, a communicator, and we have had some great conversations. He loves my film, he loves my work ethic, and he thinks I can fit in well into the Alabama program.”

Pierre agrees with Saban.

“They want me to play their JACK linebacker position and that is a great fit for me. They want to move me around and use my size and athleticism. The coaches think I can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and do a lot of different things in their scheme. I love the fit.”

Alabama now has three commitments for the 2023 cycle. It will add many more high-profile prospects to this list in the coming months and that is something else Pierre is excited about.

“It will be about the competition at Alabama and I like that. Other players will be great and we will all make each other better. That is what makes Alabama different. Everyone works hard. Players compete with each other.

“It’s like a business at Alabama being around the best and it is like a dream coming true that I get to be part of that.”