Four-Star OT Olaus Alinen commits to Alabama

Four-star offensive tackle Olaus Alinen of Finland announced his commitment to Alabama Friday morning.

The 6-foot-6, 320 pounder chose the Crimson Tide over Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, and Miami.

Alinen on why he chose Alabama

“For me, Alabama always was the Standard of College Football,” Alinen said. “They are proven in player development, winning games, and in career development. Coach Saban has the best track record out of any coach out there. They also have all the resources for you to be a great player, student and have a successful life. Their culture and work ethic fits me.”

Relationships a major factor in Alinen’s decision 

“I have great relationships with the coaching staff,” Alinen said. “Alabama recruited me for a fairly long time. I’ve been to campus 4 times and know a lot people there. Coach Saban was heavily involved in my recruitment and we have built trust over time. Coach Wolford, the new OL Coach, has been working relentlessly to get to know me and my family and get us all the info we need about Bama. I also get along very well with some of the current players at Alabama.”

Alabama’s plan for Olaus Alinen

“Their plan for me is to come in and develop to the player I can be, graduate University of Alabama, and become a successful human being,” Alinen said. “They are more thin on the tackle position than normally, and it was a huge need in our class. We have to come in and become those players we can be, so we can keep the standard up and keep winning National Championships more than anybody else in the past years. They will give us the opportunity and resources, we just have to stay on the grind and take advantage of that!”

Olaus Alinen Scouting Summary

“Big-bodied native of Finland whose readymade size and play strength helps him excel as a run blocker,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “Has a well-proportioned and filled-out build at 6-foot-5.5 and around 325 pounds heading into his senior season. Adequate length with 33-inch arms. Plays at a prep school in Connecticut. Mauls opposing defensive linemen at the point of attack. Shows heavy hands and a significant punch. Moves fairly well when working to the second level. Looks to be generally coordinated with his hands. Still developing in his pass set against speed and will need to adjust to the significant uptick in competition he’ll see at the college level. Could end up inside long-term but potentially has the ability to work as a swing tackle down the line. Older for the 2023 class, turning 18 years-old in the fall of his junior year.”

Alinen ranks as the No. 120 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites. He also tabs in as the No. 11 offensive tackle and the top player in the state of Connecticut.