Apparently it's never too early to start recruiting years down the road.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have survived a mini transfer portal exodus after Nick Saban's retirement. Now, new head coach Kalen DeBoer is building out his recruiting classes and thriving in the process.
In fact, DeBoer has already landed his first recruit for the 2027 class. On3's Chad Simmons announced via X that 2027 linebacker Ba'Roc Willis had chosen to play for the Crimson Tide.
NEWS: Alabama lands 2027 LB Ba’Roc Willis. 🐘
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) July 30, 2024
Story: https://t.co/Q4BQJ9St6S pic.twitter.com/UsP5RDtjHe
“I’ve known coach (DL coach Freddie) Roach since the 7th grade and I believe in him,” Willis explained to On3. “When I went down there, it was a good atmosphere and it felt like home. Everyone was having fun and smiling and just vibing at Alabama. Plus I know I will get developed there. I just wanted to focus on football and trying to win state with my teammates. It was on my mind early to get this out the way."
As a 2027 linebacker, that means that Willis is about to be playing his sophomore season in Moody, Alabama. However, for someone who has only played as a high school freshman, he already has an imposing 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame.
Willis is the first 2027 recruit at Alabama, but DeBoer is continuing to build a powerhouse of a 2025 class. The Crimson Tide currently have the second-ranked recruiting class for 2025 behind only the Ohio State Buckeyes. The class is headlined by multiple 5-star recruits, including 6-foot-3 quarterback Keelon Russell out of Texas.
It's clear that DeBoer hasn't shied away from using the resources at his disposal for recruiting at Alabama. Hopefully, those recruiting classes can turn into wins quickly in order for him to live up to the lofty expectations of replacing the greatest coach in college football history.
