Alabama is starting to build some momentum on the recruiting trail for the 2027 class. Over the last month and some change, Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide reeled in three priority targets in QB Elijah Haven, LB Kenneth Simon II, and RB Nigel Newkirk.
Over this past weekend, Alabama hosted its biggest crop of official visitors for the summer, and that group has already produced one commitment in Newkirk, with others on the horizon. One of the visitors was Simon, who committed to Alabama in early May. Simon is locked in with Alabama and won't take any other official visits. He also plans to return to Tuscaloosa and is becoming a vocal part of the Tide's recruiting efforts.
In speaking with 247's Brett Greenberg, Simon offered a simple but effective recruiting pitch to the plethora of recruits still considering Alabama:
"Why would you want to be anywhere else but Bama?" Simon asked. "The standard is so high, and you are held to such a high standard. The standard will max out your potential."
The Alabama standard clearly still resonates on the recruiting trail
Even with Nick Saban long retired and Kalen DeBoer stepping into the unwearable shoes, the standard has not gone away. It might not feel that way based on the on-field results over the last two seasons, but internally in the building, it has not changed.
Simon represented a huge recruiting win for DeBoer and the Tide staff over Josh Heupel and Tennessee. Simon is the son of former Vols LB Kevin Simon, and pulling him out of Tennessee's backyard wasn't an easy task.
Simon showed off his freakish athleticism during his official visit over the weekend. He's one of the headliners of this class, and he's doing what he can to help push for other prospects to join him in Tuscaloosa.
Simon is the perfect example of Alabama's strategy for the 2027 class. It's all about quality, not quantity, this time around. The Tide's high school class is expected to be around 15 or so, with only nine seniors on the roster and the priority being roster retention after this offseason and some strategic portal additions.
Simon is the type of player who is capable of coming in and competing for playing time quickly if he can develop physically. He has a preternatural feel for the position.
He's also a throwback type in terms of his mentality. You don't often see players in today's NIL environment who commit and shut things down immediately. Simon said he would only take an official visit to the school he committed to, and he's sticking by his word.
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