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After missing on KJ Green, Kalen DeBoer has Alabama pivoting to local edge rusher

Following KJ Green's commitment to LSU, it's pivot time for Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide at EDGE in the 2027 class.
Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sometimes recruiting misses can often redirect programs towards opportunities they may have overlooked, only to discover the answer might've been under their nose the entire time. Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football's defensive staff seem to have realized this quickly after losing out on 2027 four-star edge rusher KJ Green in his recent commitment to LSU.

Rather than searching across the country and digging deeper into their recruiting board, the Crimson Tide turned its attention closer to home. Alabama's staff looked to its own backyard, offering another talented edge prospect in four-star pass rusher Jeremiah Beverly, a player who has quickly become one of the state's most intriguing defensive recruits in the 2027 class. 

Alabama offers rising four-star Hillcrest high school edge rusher Jeremiah Beverly

After previously holding offers from Cincinnati, Memphis, Wake Forest, and South Alabama, among others, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Hillcrest High standout and Tuscaloosa native caught Alabama's attention with a combination of production, athleticism, and eye-opening measures. Beverly has reportedly posted a 4.7-second 40-yard dash time, a 38.5-inch vertical jump, a 365-pound bench press, and a 605-pound squat max, showcasing the explosive traits that have quickly elevated his recruiting profile. Alabama gave Beverly an offer after seeing him in person recently during a Tuscaloosa camp.

On top of these impressive numbers, Beverly was also recognized as a top-10 edge prospect and named defensive line MVP at the Rivals Atlanta Elite Camp this past February. DeBoer and Alabama's defensive staff now have an official visit scheduled with Beverly during the fall as they continue evaluating one of the fastest risers in the 2027 recruiting cycle.

Still, with Alabama representing Beverly's first SEC-caliber offer, it'll be interesting to see how his recruitment fluctuates over time and how he ultimately fits into the Crimson Tide's 2027 class, especially as they continue pursuing fellow four-stars Antwan Jackson and Mitchell Turner.

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