In-state Legacy Commits to the Alabama Crimson Tide
Mal Waldrep, who stars at left tackle for Central High School in Phenix City, Ala., the defending Class 7A state champions, announced a commitment to Alabama on Tuesday evening. Waldrep was one of 11 official visitors for Alabama this past weekend.
He is the second offensive line commitment in the Tide’s class after Mike Carroll, No. 2 interior OL per On3 Sports, announced his decision on Monday after taking an official visit.
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Waldrep’s father (Mal), played Alabama (’98-02). It may appear as an easy in-state win, but Waldrep was not in strong communication until the start of the spring evaluation period. He was initially offered by Nick Saban last fall. Coach Kalen DeBoer visited Waldrep’s school in late January and extended an offer during the visit. Waldrep also attended Junior Day on February 3. He did not return to Tuscaloosa until the official visit (June 7-9).
“It is like a dream come true,” Waldrep told On3 about his commitment. “This has been my dream since I was little. I have been a fan all my life, I have grown up going to games and I have been associated with Alabama since I was born. It is a great program, I get to play where my dad did and I feel I can succeed there. I have one of the best opportunities to fulfill a dream of mine at Alabama.”
There was a coaching change after Scott Huff, who spent less than a month at Alabama accepted the OL job with the Seattle Seahawks. Chris Kapilovic was hired on February 19. The first in-person contact between Coach Kap and Waldrep took place on April 24. It was within the first few days of UA on the road during the spring evaluation period. Coach Kap scored an official visit date from Waldrep during the initial meeting.
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Mal Waldrep staying home
Clemson had been considered the long-time front-runner in Waldrep’s recruitment. His grandfather, Joe Waldrep, was a linebacker for the Tigers. He visited Clemson several times including an official visit two weekends ago.
Alabama has always been the favorite for Waldrep, and once the Tide put the foot on the gas there was no stopping a life-long dream from turning into reality. He took the official visit this past weekend which resulted in the commitment. He has canceled remaining visits to Florida (6/14) and Tennessee (6/21).
National Analysis: On3 Sports provides breakdown of Mal Waldrep
“I like how they are traditionally, a winning program,” Waldrep said earlier this spring. “They are in the SEC, obviously. Alabama has been the standard as long as I can remember even now after Coach Saban retired. I think Coach DeBoer will step into the role and do really well.”
Waldrep, who officially measured 6-foot-5 1/4, 325-pounds during the official visit, has discussed playing guard or center. He prefers to play on the inside despite the success at left tackle for the Red Wolves during their Class 7A state title season (2023).
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