Alabama Football: 2019 Recruiting Class Signee, Ishmael Sopsher

After months of consternation, Alabama football fans finally got their wish as 4-Star, defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher spurned LSU to join the Crimson Tide.

Alabama football, along with more than 20 other programs, wanted ‘Ish’ badly. Despite all the interest, the battle was always down to two schools – LSU or the Crimson Tide. Living only about an hour from the LSU campus in Amite, LA, Ishmael Sopsher was under intense pressure to play for the Bengal Tigers.

LSU, head man, Ed Orgeron was on Sopsher when Coach O was only the LSU defensive line coach. At that time, Ishmael was in the eighth grade. For much of the 2019 recruiting cycle, Sopsher was rated as a 5-Star, can’t miss prospect. Orgeron made the teenager the focal point of LSU’s 2019 class.

After his senior season, Ishmael failed to shine competing against other top players in the Under Armour All-Star practices and game. He dropped from being a top 10, 5-Star, to a top 50, 4-Star. All-Star practice observers noticed a lack of intensity in drills. Some even accused him of “loafing.”

At six-feet-three and 335 pounds, the man-child did not lack in potential. Rivals recruiting expert, Sam Spiegelman said,

"He’s an impact type of prospect. At times he’s unblockable. He has incredible feet and hands and athleticism. For a kid around 300 pounds, he moves well and has great pass-rush technique. He can overpower you or run around you."

The player Spiegelman described is the one the Alabama football staff believes it is getting in Ishmael Sopsher. LSU was so determined to close Ishmael, Orgeron also gave a 2020 offer to older brother Rodney Sopsher. At one point, Ish said he and his brother were a package deal. Alabama football looked at Rodney but did not extend an offer. In the end, it did not matter.

The rumors about what LSU coaches and LSU boosters did to rein in Ishmael are long and colorful. The Sopshers live in Amite, LA. Amite is home to a few thousand people, most of whom back LSU. The Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards is from Amite a huge LSU fan. The local Sheriff is a big LSU fan. Both are purported to be actively involved in LSU recruiting.

Alabama football countered with 2018 national championship hero, Devonta Smith and Sam Petitto, Assistant Director of Player Personnel for Nick Saban. Smith is an Amite hero. Petitto is close with Ish’s father, Rodney Sopsher Sr.

In the end, Alabama football won over the Governor and the Sheriff – and Coach O. Now Ishmael Sopsher needs to prepare for summer workouts in Tuscaloosa. Like all the new signees, he no longer has any stars attached to his profile as an Alabama football player.

Nick Saban has lined up an impressive group of new defensive linemen. Depth issues at the position are solved by the 2019 class.