Will Alabama Football land another 5-Star soon?
Sunday, July 26 could possibly be another great day for Alabama football. That is the day that five-star defensive tackle Damon Payne makes his commitment. The teams that are talked about most with Damon consist of Alabama, Arizona State, USC, and Kentucky. Being from the state of Michigan it comes as a surprise that Ohio State and Michigan aren’t one of the schools talked about. It’s thought that Damon has his sights set on leaving the northern area and go to the west coast or down south. Standing just under 6-feet-4 and 300 pounds, he moves very well and can put on more weight without issues of being out of shape.
Kentucky offered Damon in April of 2017, and with Mark Stoops, they have positioned themselves as a top 5 school for the star defensive tackle. USC offered in 2018 while Arizona State did in February of this year. But it was the Alabama offer in April of 2018 that likely made him the happiest of the group. Knowing what Alabama can do is what separates them. The facilities and the development he can achieve at Alabama push the Tide ahead in many minds. In Damon’s eyes, it’s just different for Alabama football.
Many people wondered if the Covid-19 virus would hurt Nick Saban this cycle. However, it could possibly have helped him. His main focus has been on recruiting these past several months, Instead of recruiting with game planning and practices. Damon did a zoom call with Nick and ever since the call Alabama has been in the driver seat. According to Steve Wiltfong of 247 Sports, the call was different than any other meeting the blue-chipper has had with a coach. Steve also believes Alabama has pulled away with Damon in his recruitment.
Alabama was also his last visit of the top four schools back in September of 2019. Damon also plays both sides of the ball in the trenches. Which could help his college career out, Knowledge of how to use his hands and what the offensive player is expected to do is a heads up for Damon. He is a very athletic player that can shoot the A or B gap but strong enough to hold his own on the line. His first step a reminder me of former, red-shirt sophomore Quinnen Williams. He has already developed a good push-pull with a rip moves to his technique of getting to the ball carrier or quarterback.
It is time to start asking the question, can the Crimson Tide achieve another No. 1 class.
With everything going the Tide’s way at the moment and history of putting players into the league, this looks like a decision for Payne. Damon Payne choosing the Crimson Tide on July 26 would give the Alabama recruiting class a score of 280.65 with only 16 commits. Alabama could take up to 27 in this recruiting class. This recruiting class will continue the legacy of Alabama football.
Team ranking data in this post is provided by the 247Sports Composite.