Nick Saban raves about addition of Aeryn 'Bubba' Hampton

It was “Flipmas” at Alabama on Wednesday — in a good way. As the Crimson Tide looked to finalize their 2024 recruiting class, they managed to flip Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton’s commitment and get him to sign.

That meant Nick Saban landed a talented athlete, and he raved about Hampton in his National Signing Day press conference.

Hampton committed to Texas in July, but he took an unofficial visit to Alabama in October. Wednesday, he backed off his commitment from the Longhorns and ultimately signed with Saban and the Crimson Tide. He joins a decorated group coming to Tuscaloosa, and Saban raved about what he brings to the table.

“Bubba’s kind of a dog, man,” Saban said of Hampton. “He’s one of those guys that’s a great competitor, makes a lot of plays. Whatever he plays on offense, wherever he plays on the field. He doesn’t come off the field very often. They had a very successful season. I know they had a disappointment in the playoffs. But this guy’s a great competitor, he can do a lot of things and we’re really excited about having him.”

Hampton, a Daingerfield (TX) High School product, checked in as a four-star recruit and the No. 232 overall recruit from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He told On3’s Hayes Fawcett that Saban’s track record of development was a key part of his decision to sign.

“The development coach Saban has on players and the program means a lot to my decision,” Hampton said. “I feel like that was the best choice for me.”

Alabama brought in the No. 2-ranked group as of 10:50 p.m. ET on Wednesday as part of another massive recruiting cycle for Saban and the staff. Of course, the crown jewel of the group is Five Star Plus+ quarterback Julian Sayin — the No. 5 overall recruit and No. 1 quarterback in the nation. Five-star cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe is also joining the Crimson Tide next year as the No. 23 prospect in the country.

The goal, of course, is for Sayin to be the quarterback of the future in Tuscaloosa. It’s safe to say Saban thinks he can be just that.

“I think, as all players — I tell all players ‘You’ve really gotta focus on your development, that’s the most important thing. What are you going to become?’ And and I think he’s got the right mindset to do that,” Saban said.