Alabama Crimson Tide: 2024 commit breakdown

Nick Saban and Alabama are once again heading to the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide also continue to announce their presence on the recruiting trail.

As of Oct. 11, Alabama currently has 20 commitments in the 2024 cycle, eight of whom are projected to play on the offensive side of the ball, while the other 12 are expected to play defense.

The Tide’s class checks in as the No. 4 overall class in the nation and the No. 2 class in the SEC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. It’s behind only Georgia, Ohio State and Florida State.

Alabama Class Breakdown

Alabama’s class consists of two five-stars, 12 four-stars and six three-star prospects. The five-star recruits committed to the Tide are Carlsbad (Calif.) Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Julian Sayin and Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville five-star athlete Jaylen Mbakwe.

Five additional top-100 recruits are pledged to Saban and the Tide: Carrollton (Ga.) four-star tight end Caleb Odom, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star cornerback Zabien Brown, Lindale (Texas) four-star interior offensive lineman Casey Poe, Birmingham (Ala.) Parker four-star defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman and Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco four-star safety Peyton Woodyard.

Four-star and five-star prospects are rated as ‘blue-chip’ prospects — Alabama’s class sits at No. 4 nationally in blue-chip percentage at 70%. The average distance of an Alabama recruit’s hometown to Tuscaloosa is 691.7 miles and 45% of the class hails from the state of Alabama.

Top Offensive Commit: QB Julian Sayin

The 6-foot-1.5, 190-pound Sayin is the highest-ranked offensive commitment for the Crimson Tide this cycle, ranking as the nation’s No. 4 prospect and No. 1 quarterback. He has been committed to Alabama since Nov. 2, 2022.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“The most refined and accurate passer in the 2024 cycle. Measured in at over 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with a 9.25-inch hand prior to his senior season. Touts one of the quickest releases in the cycle with a tight, compact throwing motion. Has outstanding overall mechanics. Consistently throws in rhythm, marrying his eyes, upper body and feet. Generates good zip on short and intermediate passes. The ball gets out quick. Layers his passes with ease, delivering with advanced touch. Hits receivers in stride. A good deep ball thrower. Comfortable passer on the run with the ability to deliver from off-platform. Navigates the pocket with ease and with intention. Plays on his toes and has quick, reactive feet. A surgical passer on Friday nights. Decisive passer who reads the field quickly and efficiently.

…Turned in an efficient junior season, completing 66.5% of his passes for 2,708 yards (11.1 yards per attempt) and 27 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. Also rushed for 154 yards and three scores. A standout in neutral settings, as he was named the On3 MVP at the Elite 11 Finals and OT7 Finals prior to his senior season. Does not possess the eye-popping physical traits of some of his highly-touted peers. Can continue building on his improvisational skills and overall creativity as he often wins from within structure. Considered a very safe quarterback prospect with a high floor at the next level.”

Top Defense Commit: CB Zabien Brown

Brown, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder out of the Golden State, is the highest-ranked pledge for the Tide on the defensive side, checking in as the No. 65 overall prospect and No. 8 cornerback. He pledged to Alabama on July 9, choosing the Tide over USC and Ohio State.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him:

“Polished, battled tested cornerback who stars for one of the nation’s top high school programs. Listed at around 6-foot-1, 180 pounds with unverified length. Primarily lines up on the outside for Mater Deil. Shows good ball skills, picking off 3 passes and breaking up 5 more as a junior. Comfortable reading the quarterback’s eyes and jumping short routes. Plays both press and off coverage. Comfortable lining up in man against top receivers. Plays with good technique, getting his hands on receivers to disrupt routes. A solid tackler in open space.

…Play speed and trigger are adequate, but wins more with technique and instincts. Speed registers as solid to average, as he typically runs in the 11.2-11.3 second range in the 100 meters. Can continue getting stronger. Older for the cycle, turning 18 years old during his junior season. Will be a 20 year-old as a true freshman.”