4-star IOL Miles McVay commits to Alabama: 'It felt like home'

East Saint Louis (Ill.) four-star interior offensive lineman Miles McVay called the last month of his recruitment “crazy.” Multiple coaches reached out to the 6-foot-6, 373 pound prospect and tried to sway him to their school.

McVay had a few leaders for his commitment at different times, but he settled on his top school a couple of weeks ago. The offensive lineman thought hard about Oregon, but Alabama won out in the end. He chose the Crimson Tide over Florida, Jackson State, Michigan State, Missouri, Oregon and Texas A&M.

“I have visited Alabama five or six times. It is different over there,” McVay told On3. “I have watched two or three practices, so I have seen the players and the coaches at work and I could see why they win. It is very intense. Players practicing hard, coaches coaching hard, and Nick Saban is very involved. Everyone at Alabama grinds to win it all, get to the NFL, and that is what I want to be a part of.”

Landing McVay gives Alabama 13 top-200 prospects and another interior offensive lineman recruit alongside Anniston (Ala.) Anniston School four-star Ryqueze McElderry. McVay is ranked as the No. 195 overall prospect and No. 13 interior offensive lineman in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 2 player in Illinois.

Alabama’s coaching staff was a difference maker for McVay

McVay calls himself a “big competitor.” He always wants to compete, be the best and win. This mindset is part of what drew him to Alabama. But what elevated the Crimson Tide over the top was their coaching staff.

The offensive lineman was impressed by the environment created by head coach Nick Saban. He believes Alabama’s head man knows the recipe for success in the chase for a national championship.

“What sets Alabama apart from everyone is the culture Nick Saban created at Alabama,” McVay said. “It is about excellence. He takes pride in working and the details. The little things he and his teams work on are what have led Alabama to all of these championships.”

Throughout his recruitment, McVay built a connection with offensive line coach Eric Wolford. He got to learn about Wolford as both a person and a coach, as well as appreciate his track record with offensive lineman.

Wolford came to Alabama from Kentucky. When he was with the Wildcats in 2021, they led the nation in the percentage of rush attempts that went for four yards or more.

“Coach Wolford is an amazing coach,” McVay said. “I have enjoyed spending time with him and his family. He is an amazing dad. I love his style as a coach and he does a great job of balancing his family and his coaching. I love what he did at Kentucky. I know he will make Alabama’s offensive line strong and I am excited about working with him. He was part of my decision. His work speaks for itself.”

McVay wants to be a part of the Crimson Tide’s championship standard

McVay’s hometown of East St. Louis, Ill. is known as the City of Champions. As a result, he wanted to go another place that is known for winning titles. The offensive lineman feels like Tuscaloosa fits the bill.

“The competition at Alabama is what I am looking forward to the most,” McVay said. “The end goal is to get on the field as a freshman. Nobody is going to work harder than me when I get there and I know the coaches will push me. That competition, that drive, and what Alabama expects has me excited about getting there.”

McVay took an unofficial visit on July 30 to analyze Alabama one last time. He felt like he would commit to the Crimson Tide anyway, but he wanted to be confident about his decision.

It didn’t take him too long to realize that he was making the right choice for his college football career.

“I was around everyone one more time and it felt like home,” McVay said. “I had a good idea going into that visit that I was going there, but that visit made me sure.”