Alabama gets a jumpstart on Auburn for 2028 in-state recruiting with massive commitment

Much has been said and written about Alabama's struggles in the 2027 recruiting cycle, particularly with a lack of in-state flavor to the class. But it's been clear for a while now that the 2027 class has not been a priority for Kalen DeBoer and his staff.

The opposite appears to be true for 2028.

After a one-year blip on the radar, it looks like the Crimson Tide is gearing up for a cycle similar to what fans saw in 2025 and 2026 with the 2028 class. That should include a lot more in-state success, with the state of Alabama producing a whole lot of top talent in that cycle.

Alabama added a huge piece to the in-state puzzle for 2028 with the top QB in the state, 4-star Kingston Preyear out of Alexander City, committing to the Crimson Tide on Friday over Florida and Vanderbilt:

4-star QB Kingston Preyear commits to Alabama over Florida and Vanderbilt

Preyear is the second QB commitment for Alabama in the 2028 class, joining 3-star Charles Scott Jr. Preyear instantly becomes the headliner of the class. He's the No. 44 overall player in the composite and the No. 4-ranked QB.

Even more than his impact as a player, Preyear is the type of prospect that others want to follow. In a loaded 2028 in-state class, that could pay major dividends for DeBoer and his staff.

As things currently stand, the state of Alabama has seven guys ranked inside the Top 100 of the composite rankings. Eight in the Top 150. It's a lot more similar to the 2026 cycle, which saw Alabama land elite talents like EJ Crowell, Cederian Morgan, and Zyan Gibson.

Preyear will quickly become one of the Crimson Tide's top recruiters, looking to lure the best prospects in the state to Tuscaloosa.

That could include a pair of elite offensive linemen in 4-stars Joey Fleming and Samuel Bailey, who could be the bookend tackles of the future for Preyear. Alabama has gone light on offensive line recruiting in 2027, but they will make a much bigger push for top prospects up front in the next cycle.

Other top 2028 offensive targets like TE Kaleb Ballard, RB Zion Coger, and WR Dedrick Kimbrough could be swayed to join Preyear in Tuscaloosa.

Preyear is already Alabama's fifth commitment in the 2028 class, which currently ranks No. 1. There's a long way to go between now and the early signing period next December, but it's a welcomed fast start for DeBoer and his Tide staff.

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