4-star TE Marshall Pritchett details his flip from North Carolina to Alabama

Marshall Pritchett committed to North Carolina in March. Alabama offered the four-star tight end out of Rabun Gap (Ga.) Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in May. In June, Pritchett took an official visit to Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide has been in the mix since.

North Carolina got off to a slow start, Alabama got the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder on campus for the Georgia game in September, and in October, Pritchett has flipped his commitment from North Carolina to Alabama.

Why the Crimson Tide?

“I would say first is opportunity,” Pritchett told On3. “I’m stepping into a tight end room where I have an amazing opportunity to play early and show my skill set. Another reason would be the program. Playing for a chance at a national championship year in and year out is something every kid dreams of. The staff was a factor too. Coach Kalen DeBoer and coach Nick Sheridan have had production in the tight end position forever and their visions for me as an athlete are exactly what I am looking for in an offense.”

As soon as Pritchett received the offer from Alabama, he had an interest in the SEC program. He was considering the Crimson Tide from day one, but after being in Tuscaloosa for the Georgia game on Sept. 28, that is when things got serious.

“Things really took a turn after that visit. I left that game and began talking with my parents about how great this opportunity was. Then it hit me about two weeks ago that Alabama was the place for me.

“I had some time to let it sink in after my game-day visit, and I slowly came to terms with the fact that this opportunity to play at such a historic school was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Pritchett is excited about the future in Tuscaloosa

The No. 336 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking has visited Alabama three times. He loves the atmosphere on game-day and the environment under coach DeBoer. He can’t wait to make the move in January and start to learn from coach DeBoer, coach Sheridan and Bryan Ellis.

“I think I fit amazing in the scheme,” Pritchett said. “Coach DeBoer has developed tight ends and consistently got them the rock. Coming in as the first tight end class he recruited is a very exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Ellis played a big role. The relationship is strong. Sheridan’s offense and the fit factored into the decision as well. Pritchett is a believer in DeBoer too.

“I think coach DeBoer has a unique style of coaching and I love everything about it. He’s a very calm and confident guy, that has a group surrounding him that also keeps that same attitude. I think everything at Alabama will sort itself out. It’s a program where every year you’re going get the top recruits, and historically they win at a very high percentage. I have full confidence in the future of the program.”

Pritchett feels great about this decision and it is final, but it wasn’t easy. He has relationships in Chapel Hill, he loves the school, but he made the call that he feels is best for him.

“It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I had to sit back and really ask myself hundreds of times, is this the right decision for my future? I have an amazing relationship with the UNC staff, and especially coach Kitchens. But I informed them that this is the best decision for me and they were very respectful. I’m thankful for everyone involved in that program.”