4-star RB's prediction to Alabama could be the momentum Kalen DeBoer needs for 2027 class

It's been a predictably slow start to the 2027 recruiting class for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama. That's no different than the last two cycles, and the Crimson Tide finished both with Top 5 classes overall.

DeBoer hopes lightning will strike for a third straight time. Because right now, Alabama has only four commitments in its 2027 class, which ranks 43rd in the 247 composite.

Alabama picked up a commitment from 3-star DL AJ Pauley last weekend after the A-Day scrimmage, and could be on the verge of an even bigger commitment that really jumps start what should be a major recruiting run

On Thursday, Rivals recruiting expert Chad Simmons logged an expert prediction for the Crimson Tide to land 4-star RB Nigel Newkirk, the No. 11 RB and No. 187 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class:

Alabama picks up a prediction to land 4-star RB Nigel Newkirk

Alabama has felt like the leader for Newkirk for a while, and part of that is thanks to his relationship with a couple of players on the current roster. Newkirk plays for Gainesville High School in Georgia, and Alabama signed two Gainesville alumni in the 2026 recruiting class: 5-star LB Xavier Griffin and 4-star DL Jamarion Matthews.

Newkirk has steadily risen up the rankings and is a consensus 4-star recruit now. As a junior, Newkirk rushed for 1496 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging 8.1 yards per carry.

Alabama is in the driver's seat in Newkirk's recruitment, but there's still some recruiting to do for DeBoer and company.

Newkirk plans to announce his commitment on July 1st, though Alabama would certainly love that to happen even sooner. It appears to be a four-horse race for Newkirk's signature between Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Michigan.

Newkirk is scheduled for his official visit to Tuscaloosa on May 29th. He has visits set up with the Tigers, Buckeyes, and Wolverines after that.

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