5-Star safety Tony Mitchell commits to Alabama

Things change quickly in recruiting.

Five-star safety Tony Mitchell named his final four Thursday. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Texas A&M were the finalists and he was planning to take his recruitment to December.

Over the weekend, those plans changed.

The No. 20 prospect in the On3 Consensus visited Georgia Saturday before tripping to Alabama Sunday. He left Tuscaloosa committed to the Crimson Tide.

“It was time,” Mitchell told On3. “I just woke up feeling it. After I got up, I went to Alabama and it was just time to do it.”

Mitchell did not think he would be committed to Alabama or any other school in June. December was when he was thinking, but the more he thought about it this weekend, the more he felt he was ready.

“This definitely was not my plan. I did think about it a lot this weekend though and I was ready to commit. I really went with that gut feeling. It was time to get recruiting over with and focus on winning the fourth state title.

“Alabama was where I wanted to be and it was time to get it done.”

Things changes a lot for Mitchell over the last year

This time a year ago, Mitchell was thinking hard about leaving the state of Alabama for college. He had the Crimson Tide in his top 10, but they were down his list.

By the end of the summer, Alabama has made a minor move and increased their chances. During the season, Mitchell visited Tuscaloosa around half a dozen times. Then this off-season, the in-state school rose to the top.

“Alabama made the biggest move between last season and during the off-season,” Mitchell said. “I thought I was leaving the state, but things change.

“Coach Kelly and coach Roach are guys I am close to, then when T-Rob came in, that put another coach I had a strong relationship with at Alabama. I know so many people, I am close with the coaches, and the fit is for me.”

It is not just about the fit off the field with the coaches, but of course, it is about the on-the-field development too.

“Alabama is the best. They develop players, they win national championships, and the best players go there to be great.

“At Alabama, I will get to compete against the best and compete for championships every year. I know Alabama is where I want to be.”

Mitchell was welcomed by Nick Saban

Mitchell met with Nick Saban Sunday to give him the news and the head coach at Alabama was excited.

“We talked a little bit at first, then I told him about commitment, and coach Saban was fired up,” Mitchell said. “He talked about how they valued me, how I was always one of their top guys, and how I can do big things there. We had a great talk and now I get to play for the best.”

It starts at the top at Alabama. Saban is regarded by many as the best college football coach ever and Mitchell feels that way. It doesn’t stop there though.

“Alabama has the best coaches, the best players, and they are going to make me the best. It is a great program from top to bottom. Alabama is different.”