Alabama EDGE signee Yhonzae Pierre never wavered on his decision: "Bama is the perfect fit for me."
In a day and age filled with roller coaster recruitments, Yhonzae Pierre‘s process was far from it.
The Eufaula (Ala.) pass rusher received his first offer from UAB on Jan. 8, 2021, and narrowed his recruitment down to eight schools almost exactly a year later. Pierre would go on to take multiple visits this past spring before announcing his commitment to Alabama on April 14.
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Pierre, who chose Bama over the likes of Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and others, took no visits elsewhere throughout his recruitment before signing with the Crimson Tide last month.
After making things official with Nick Saban‘s program, Pierre — and four other Alabama signees — participated in last week’s All-American Bowl in San Antonio (Tx.).
“It’s been pretty good out here this week,” Pierre told On3 Sports’ Charles Power on Friday. “I’ve been learning a lot. Made a lot of new friends and built relationships with coaches and teammates. [Us Alabama signees] have a great relationship. Been talking a lot about what we’re going to do at Bama and what we’re going to do here.”
Yhonzae Pierre reveals why he chose Alabama, excitement about playing with Keon Keeley
Yhonzae Pierre was the second-longest tenured recruit in Alabama’s 2023 class, behind fellow in-state product Jahlil Hurley. Since committing in April, Pierre made his way out to Tuscaloosa a handful of times, including for an early December official visit.
ICYMI: Long-time Bama commit Yhonzae Pierre goes in depth on official visit to Alabama
Although his stock continued to rise throughout the year, Pierre had no reason to step on another school’s campus after committing.
“Bama is the perfect fit for me,” Pierre said. “It’s going to put me where I need to be academic-wise, football-wise, and as being a man overall. Good relationships with the coaches and good environment with the players.”
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In December, Alabama landed several five-star targets on defense, including top-ranked EDGE Keon Keeley and Montgomery (Ala.) targets James Smith and Qua Russaw.
Pierre, who participated in the All-American Bowl with Keeley, is excited to team up with him at the next level.
“It’s going to be pretty good,” Pierre said of the tandem with him and Keeley. “Him on one end and me on the other end, and we’ve got Qua Russaw at linebacker. James Smith, too. It’s going to be really crazy for the 2023 class and we’re ready to put on.”
As other signees have expressed to us over the past two weeks, Pierre is thrilled about the group he has signed with.
“It feels pretty good to be in the No. 1 class,” Pierre added. “You just have to put on and be the man.”
Pierre is currently in the middle of his basketball season, so his expected arrival at Alabama will be in the summer. Before wrapping up his interview with Power, Pierre had the following message for Bama’s fan base.
“Be ready,” Pierre said. “Roll Tide.”
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