Four-Star LB TJ Alford narrows list, sets commitment date

Four-star linebacker TJ Alford of Port Saint Lucie (FL) Vero Beach narrowed his list to 6 schools and will announce his college decision on March 30.

The 6-foot-2, 215 pounder is down to the following: Florida, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee, and UCF.

Breaking down the finalists 

Alford discussed what stood out about each school with On3.

FLORIDA: There were some concerns when Coach Jay Bateman left, but with them coming by, I feel as if I’m still high on their chart. Me and Coach Billy Napier had our on relationship too. All the times l’ve been there, the whole staff felt like family. I recently met the new linebackers coach (Ron Roberts) and heard about his resume. He seems like he’s about business and that has my interest.

FLORIDA STATE: It is about how tight me and Randy Shannon are. He is from the same area I am from, my family likes him and we have a great relationship. Coach Mike Novell is straight eye contact when talking to me, he is truly interested in me and he is a great person.

MIAMI: Coach Derek Nicholson is my guy.He is a great coach and a high-energy guy. I love his style and his energy. Coach Nicholson is my type of guy. Coach Mario Cristobal is very involved too.

OHIO STATE: From my first visit to OhioState, I felt like it was somewhere I could call home. The coaches really treat me like family.They have shown they truly want me and I like the feeling I have up there.

TENNESSEE: Tennessee has been one of the most consistent schools with me. Multiple coaches reach out, they send scripture to me which has caused a strong relationship.

UCF: I recently had a great visit there and the coaches are really recruiting me hard. They are showing a lot of love and they have to be on the list.

TJ Alford Recruiting Profile

Alford ranks as the No. 59 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 9 linebacker and the No. 8 player in the state of Florida.

Scouting Summary

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

“One of the most physically imposing prospects regardless of position in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Measured in at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds with a freakish 6-foot-10 wingspan during summer campus visits. Easy sideline to sideline speed, closes to the ball extremely quickly. Has tested very well during the spring camp circuit. Impressive long speed on the track as well running 23.88 in the 200m as a sophomore and a strong 11.67 100m during his freshman track and field season. Striker as a tackler, violent player. Comfortable as a space defender, especially in zone coverage. High upside prospect who should develop into an enforcer at the next level.”

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $67K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.