Vigor’s standout defender and Alabama commit on joining the Crimson Tide: “I’m counting down the days until I get up there.”

Vigor’s standout defender and Alabama commit on joining the Crimson Tide: “I’m counting down the days until I get up there.”

Vigor High School’s star defender, already committed to the University of Alabama, is preparing for the next chapter of his football journey, and he’s making no secret of how eager he is to join one of the most storied programs in college football history. As his high school career winds down, his eyes are set firmly on Tuscaloosa, where he hopes to contribute to the Crimson Tide’s dominance on the national stage.

“I can’t wait to be up there,” he says, beaming with pride and anticipation. For this young athlete, the commitment to Alabama isn’t just a choice—it’s a dream realized. Growing up in Alabama, Crimson Tide football isn’t just a sport; it’s a culture, a way of life, and for him, it’s long been the ultimate destination.

From his early days playing youth football in Mobile, he was often praised for his instincts on defense—his ability to read plays before they unfolded, his aggressive yet controlled tackling, and his tireless motor. Coaches saw something special in him early on. As he transitioned into high school ball at Vigor, his talent only became more apparent. He quickly became the heartbeat of the defense, the guy the coaches trusted to lead, and the one teammates rallied around in big moments.

His junior year, he exploded onto the recruiting radar. College scouts started showing up at practices, his name began circulating on message boards and recruiting rankings, and before long, Power Five offers began rolling in. Despite attention from programs like Georgia, LSU, Auburn, and Florida State, Alabama stood out from the rest.

“They were the first big school that made me feel like a priority,” he recalls. “It wasn’t just letters or graphics—they called, they visited, they broke down my film and told me exactly how I could fit into their system. That meant a lot.”

For Alabama’s coaching staff, his physical tools were obvious: 6’1”, 195 pounds, blazing speed, and a violent tackling technique that sent a message to opposing offenses. But what impressed them even more was his football IQ. They saw a player who could contribute early, not just physically, but mentally—someone who could understand complex coverages, communicate adjustments, and lead by example.

The commitment came during the summer ahead of his senior year. After a visit to Tuscaloosa that included meetings with defensive coaches, a tour of the facilities, and a long talk with Coach Kalen DeBoer, the decision was made.

“I didn’t want to wait any longer,” he said. “I called Coach and told him I was ready. That was one of the best moments of my life. My family was so proud.”

Since then, he’s become not just a committed recruit, but a vocal ambassador for Alabama’s 2025 class. He’s active in group chats with fellow commits, helping build chemistry before they even set foot on campus. He’s also done his part on social media, hyping up other top recruits, making pitches, and posting highlights in Alabama gear.

His senior season at Vigor has only solidified his standing. He’s led the team to a strong record, made plays all over the field, and proved himself as a leader both on and off the field. Opposing offenses try to avoid his side of the field, but that hasn’t stopped him from making game-changing plays—interceptions, forced fumbles, sacks from the safety blitz spot.

Off the field, he’s taken his academics seriously too. His GPA is solid, and he’s already preparing for the academic demands of college life. He’s also been working closely with a personal trainer, focusing on adding muscle and improving flexibility to ensure he’s college-ready from day one.

“I know what Alabama expects,” he said. “They don’t take plays off, and they don’t hand out starting spots. You’ve got to earn everything. That’s how I like it.”

Indeed, Alabama’s defensive back tradition is elite. From Minkah Fitzpatrick to Marlon Humphrey, the Tide have sent dozens of DBs to the NFL. That history excites him.

“When I see what Coach \[Travaris] Robinson has done with DBs, it gets me hyped. He knows how to coach us up and get us to the league. That’s the plan.”

But he isn’t just thinking about the pros. For now, the focus is on his development, on building his body and mind to handle the challenge ahead. He’s been studying Alabama’s defensive schemes, watching film of past games, and texting with current players to get a feel for the locker room culture.

“The brotherhood is real,” he said. “Everybody holds each other accountable. That’s what I want to be part of. Iron sharpens iron.”

His family has been deeply supportive of his journey. His mom, especially, beams with pride when talking about her son’s achievements, but she’s just as proud of his humility.

“He doesn’t walk around acting like he’s made it,” she said. “He knows the work’s just beginning. He’s grounded, and he knows who he is.”

He credits much of that to his upbringing. Raised with strong values and a no-excuses mentality, he’s always viewed football as both a blessing and a responsibility.

“God gave me this talent, but it’s on me to do something with it,” he said. “Every day I try to get better. That’s what it takes.”

With National Signing Day approaching, he’s already making plans for his move to Tuscaloosa. He’ll be enrolling early, arriving in January to participate in spring ball. That early arrival could give him a leg up in the competition for playing time.

“Getting in early is huge,” he said. “I want to learn the playbook, adjust to college speed, and show the coaches I’m ready.”

There’s real excitement in his voice when he talks about Alabama’s future. He believes in the direction Coach DeBoer is taking the program and feels the 2025 class can be special.

“We’ve got some dawgs coming in,” he said with a grin. “The class is loaded—playmakers on both sides. We’re trying to build something great.”

Recruiting analysts agree. He’s been ranked as a top-100 national recruit, one of the best defensive backs in the country, and a cornerstone of Alabama’s 2025 class. His combination of athleticism, toughness, and leadership has evaluators projecting him as a future All-SEC player—and potentially much more.

But accolades aside, he’s focused on the work. He knows that at Alabama, nothing is handed out. You compete every day. And that’s exactly what he wants.

“I want to earn it,” he said. “I want to compete with the best, train with the best, and become the best version of myself. That’s why I chose Alabama.”

As his final high school season nears its conclusion, he remains locked in. There are games left to win, goals still to chase. And while Tuscaloosa beckons, he hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

“Vigor made me,” he said. “This community, my teammates, my coaches—they built me up. I want to finish strong here before I move on.”

There’s a clear sense that this isn’t just about football for him. It’s about legacy. About making his family proud. About representing his city, his school, and the values that got him this far.

So when he says, “I can’t wait to be up there,” it’s not just about putting on a jersey or stepping onto Bryant-Denny Stadium’s hallowed turf. It’s about fulfilling a dream that’s been years in the making. It’s about taking the next step in a journey that started with a young boy and a ball and a vision that one day, he’d wear the crimson and white—not just as a player, but as a man ready to rise to the moment.

The road ahead will be tough. The expectations will be high. But if there’s one thing he’s shown time and time again, it’s that he doesn’t back down from pressure—he embraces it.

Alabama’s getting a player. But more than that, they’re getting a competitor, a leader, and a young man who’s ready to give everything for the Crimson Tide.

And he’s ready.

“I’m just excited to get started,” he says one more time, smiling. “Let’s go.”

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