Khurtiss Perry's bond with Nick Saban was important in his decision

Montgomery (Ala.) Park Crossing defensive lineman Khurtiss Perry started getting offers in the ninth grade. The 6-foot-2, 267-pound four-star has been going through the recruiting process for well over two years and he has found his future home.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban played a big role in Perry’s commitment. The No. 75 prospect in the On3 Consensus started that relationship a couple of years ago and that was important.

“Me and coach Saban have a special bond,” Perry said. ” It goes back to my sophomore year. Since he has been able to recruit me, he has always checked in on me, made sure my family was doing well, and that made a big impact on me and my decision.”

Saban knows he is getting a talented football player in Perry, but the head coach at Alabama wants the No. 4 prospect in the state to be more than that.

“Coach Saban has been talking to me about what’s most important. He wants me to be a better man, a better leader, and to always be on top of the most important things, like academics.

“How he recruited me meant a lot to me. I know coach Saban wants the best for me. I know he will teach me a lot when I get to Alabama.”

Perry the final decision over the weekend. He took an official visit to Clemson Sunday, then came home, and decided on Alabama.

“I knew I liked Alabama a lot, but I had a lot to think about. I told coach Saban about my decision Monday. Coach Charles Kelly had a good idea before then, but I let coach Saban know Monday.

“It was a very tough decision, but Alabama is a great program for me.”

Auburn was in the mix, and the Tigers finished third in this race. Perry chose Alabama over UCF in the end.

“My relationship with coach Gus Malzahn and T-Will (Travis Williams) is like family. I am so close to those guys, so it was hard not to pick UCF.

“Since they were at Auburn, I have been close to them, and they were right there.”

Khurtiss Perry ready to play for Nick Saban, the best coach ever

Numerous coaches recruited Perry for Alabama. Saban, Kelly, Freddie Roach, and others. Perry cannot wait to learn for each of them, but knowing he gets to play for coach Saban stands out.

“Coach Saban is the best coach ever in college football,” Perry said. “He is such a special coach and he saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself.

“To know the best coach believed in me, wanted me, and sees me as a factor at Alabama means so much to me. He has talked to me about my motor, how he wants to coach me, and it is exciting to have a chance to work with him.”

It was not easy to get here. Perry took a lot of visits this year, he missed out a lot last year due to COVID-19, and he had to make a tough decision, but it was all worth it.

“It was tougher than I thought it was going to be to get here. It was very stressful for me and my family, but this is like a dream coming true.

“I went through all of this to get to go to Alabama. I get to stay home, play for the best coach, play for a great program, and become a better man and student-athlete right here in my state.

“Seeing all of this happen for me is special. I just can’t believe it. I am ready to get to Alabama in January and go to work.”