Bama lands commitment from prized in-state 2026 DL
Even with no game this weekend, Alabama’s football program remains in the news. For the third consecutive week, the Tide have landed a commitment from a prospect who they were strongly pursuing.
Birmingham (Ala.) Parker High School defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland announced his commitment to Kalen DeBoer‘s staff on Thursday. Cleveland, who is on a bye week of his own, committed to the Tide over a national offer sheet. Those schools that had dipped into Cleveland’s recruitment include Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC.
Cleveland becomes Bama’s third commit in as many weeks, joining 2025 prospects Kevonte Henry (Oct. 14) and Marshall Pritchett (Oct. 22). He also joins Top 100 defensive back Dorian Barney as the program’s only commitments in the Class of 2026 to this point.
This is a massive commitment for DeBoer and Company. Not only did they go up against an extensive offer sheet to land Cleveland, but they added one of the top players in the state of Alabama in the process.
Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Cleveland is the No. 6 junior in the state of Alabama. He also checks in as the No. 80 overall player in his class, as well as the sixth-ranked defensive lineman.
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Cleveland made his way out to Tuscaloosa for A-Day and a couple of times in the summer, earning a re-offer from Bama after his camp performance on June 10. He’s returned for multiple game days as well. The 6-foot-2.5, 305-pounder told On3’s Steve Wiltfong the following after his Georgia game visit on Sept. 28.
“It was loud and electric!” Cleveland said. “The fans were rocking. I like the love the players show each other and Coach (Freddie) Roach always keep us laughing.”
He also likes the development process that players go through at Bama.
“They develop guys who go pro and they develop guys off the field as men,” Cleveland told Wiltfong.
According to MaxPreps, Cleveland has recorded 38 total tackles (28 solo), 6 TFLS, and 5 sacks this season. Cleveland previously starred at Prattville High School before transferring to Parker.
Also be sure to stay tuned to BamaOnLine for additional coverage of Vodney Cleveland’s commitment to Alabama.
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