BREAKING: Alabama bags first Top 100 Wolf in ’25 class

The University of Alabama has been on a ‘Wolf’ hunt. The Tide focused on a select few including Dawson Merritt, Top 100 LB from Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Merritt took two unofficial visits to Alabama this spring. He took an official visit to Nebraska April 28, and returned to Tuscaloosa for an official June 7-9 for a final comprehensive look at Coach Kalen DeBoer’s program.

Merritt announced his commitment to Alabama on Wednesday afternoon. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder had also previously considered Missouri and Oklahoma. He decided, however, in May to shift complete to the Crimson Tide and the Cornhuskers.

The trip to Tuscaloosa earlier this month solidified the Tide’s position. Alabama appeared to capture the edge after spending two days at the Capstone on April 19-20. It was originally scheduled as an official visit. He changed those plans for an unofficial. Alabama wanted to host Merritt in the first or second weekend of June. The Crimson Tide did not have any official visitors in the ’25 class prior to May 31.

The visit earlier this month was another eye-opening experience at the Capstone. He received an offer Alabama on February 14. Merritt traveled to Alabama on three separate occasions before deciding to call Tuscaloosa his future home.

“Just everything about Alabama- It’s Alabama,” Merritt told BOL after his official visit. “It starts with their player development and what they’ve done being the greatest football program in the last few years. How hard they’re recruiting me and how much they want me. It does mean a lot for it to be coming from Alabama. My relationships there are elite.”

AK to Alabama? BOL shares the latest on the No. 2 RB in the country (BOL subscription required)

Alabama culture aspect reigns supreme

Merritt was previously offered by Coach Kalen DeBoer while at Washington. He has a fond relationship with the staff who moved from Seattle to Tuscaloosa which also includes football GM Courtney Morgan. Alabama OLBs coach Christian Robinson, however, played perhaps the most significant role in the Tide’s pursuit.

“Their culture, it’s the best in college football, in my opinion,” Merritt told BOL. “Just everything that they’re doing. The hard work they’re putting in. Coach [David] Ballou (Alabama strength coach) is a different cat, as well.

“They’re working harder than you. That’s just how it is and how they’ve been winning. The leaders are very driven by the right things. Bama is not going nowhere is what I have to say. They’re not going anywhere.”

Must-Read: Alabama is “like home now” for 5-star DB and his family (BOL subscription required)

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defender had 83 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks during his junior season. Alabama recruited him to play the ‘Wolf’ position. He will rush the passer from the outside edge while also having the ability to drop back in coverage- WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

“The development aspect really sticks out to me about Alabama,” the Top 10 LB told BOL earlier this spring. “You are playing against and with the best players in the country in the SEC. I feel like I can be developed, and they can help me reach my max potential at that spot (Wolf).”

Merritt’s father, David, is the defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Alabama remains in pursuit of Top 100 EDGE Justin Hill (Cincinnati-Winton Woods), who will announce a decision on July 3. Hill has a top four of Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon and USC. The decision is expected between the Crimson and Buckeyes. Recent interview with Hill’s mother after the Alabama official visit- HERE (BOL subscription required)

BOL will have more on Merritt’s commitment including interviews, analysis and what it means for the Crimson Tide.

Not a member, Tide fans? Take advantage of our Cold Summer Promo!!

Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up for ONE MONTH of premium access to our Alabama coverage for just $1! Be able to read all of BOL’s premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting and also join thousands of other Crimson Tide fans around the globe on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!

Want to talk with the BOL staff and also thousands of other Alabama fans about all the latest recruiting intel? CLICK HERE to join daily conversations about the Crimson Tide and much more on the BOL RoundTable.