4-star RB Daniel Hill commits to Alabama: 'I had to do what is best for my future'

It was a long journey for Daniel Hill. LSU offered him first in the summer before his freshman year. Since then, the four-star running back out of Meridian (Miss.) picked up national offers and became a target for many top programs before committing to Alabama over Mississippi State and South Carolina at the All-American Bowl.

“It came down to Signing Day,” Hill told On3. “I had to make a decision, put pen to paper and the school was Alabama. It was time. Me and my family had some talks and I had to do what is best for my future. I decided that Alabama was the best fit.”

In August, Hill almost committed to South Carolina. At different times throughout the fall, the Gamecocks regained that lead. Mississippi State came in late under new head coach Jeff Lebby, and that got the Bulldogs back in the race.

When Dec. 20 rolled around, the No. 188 prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings rolled with the Tide.

“I was set on South Carolina for a while. Mississippi State gave both a run for their money very late, but the opportunity at Alabama was too good.

“Alabama has great coaching stability and that was big for me. The history they have at running back always had my attention. They produce running backs and that room has a great culture under Coach Robert Gillespie. It wasn’t everything, but getting to the NFL has always been my goal and I feel Alabama has a great chance of doing that.

“I just feel Alabama can make me a better person on and off the field.”

Alabama went into the Early Signing Period without a running back on their commitment list. The Crimson Tide flipped Kevin Riley from Miami on Dec. 20 and have added Hill to that room.

Hill grew up following the Crimson Tide

Hill is a Mississippi State legacy, but he grew up watching Alabama. Saban’s program has been high on Hill’s radar from day one. He kept going back to Tuscaloosa, so he is excited about what he is going into.

“I love watching [Alabama] games,” Hill said. “I just love being there. It wasn’t always about the visits for recruiting when I was there this season because I just love watching the team. I was a fan and I love watching the team play, so being recruited by Alabama and being there so many times gave me a great overview of the program.

“I learned so much. It showed me about the team, the coaches, the fans and what Alabama is about. That was a factor because I know a lot about Alabama. Me and my family know Alabama is a great program.”

The relationship with Coach Gillespie was key

Robert Gillespie played at Florida. He knows the SEC, he is regarded as one of the best coaches at his position and not only does he produce talent, he knows how to recruit.

With NIL, recruiting has changed. But relationships still matter, and he built one with Hill that runs deeper than just football.

“Me and Coach G have been close for a while now,” Hill said. “Our relationship played a key role in my decision. We know each other. We really know each out. It is not just recruiting with Coach G. We have a real relationship and I appreciate that and respect that. Who he is factored into my decision.”