As we've been talking about for a few weeks now, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama are looking to add two more running backs in the 2027 cycle, despite taking a smaller overall class size. Continuing to increase the talent level of the RB room has been a major priority, and the Crimson Tide is in a position to do just that.
On Sunday, 4-star RB Nigel Newkirk out of Gainesville, Georgia, announced his commitment to Alabama at the conclusion of his official visit. It doesn't appear he'll be the lone running back in this class for very long.
While Alabama has also been in pursuit of recent Auburn commitment Kingston Miles and Louisiana native Trey Martin, the most likely candidate for the Tide's second RB spot in this class has been 3-star speedster Tai Phillips.
Miles is off the board to Auburn, and Martin will reportedly not be making the trip to Tuscaloosa this weekend as scheduled. Alabama appears to have narrowed the focus to Phillips, who is scheduled to make his announcement on June 8th, just four days before his planned official visit to the Capstone.
Things appear to be trending in the direction of the good guys.
BamaOnline's Andrew Bone logs expert prediction for Alabama to land RB Tai Phillips
BamaOnline's Andrew Bone put his pick in for Alabama to land Phillips on Wednesday, per On3's expert prediction tracker. The Crimson Tide's chief competition for the Irmo, South Carolina product has been Florida State, and the Seminoles are set to host Phillips on his official visit this weekend.
That means while Bone is typically pretty confident if he's putting in a pick, Florida State will get its shot with Phillips this weekend, and this recruitment isn't over yet. Alabama is obviously in a good spot, and they've been seen as the leader now for a while, but Mike Norvell and the Seminoles won't go down without a fight.
Phillips is one of the speediest backs in the 2027 class and would be a nice complement to Newkirk if DeBoer can close the deal. He's been clocked in the 4.3-4.4 40-yard dash range at numerous camps and events.
As a junior in Fayetteville, North Carolina, last season, Phillips racked up 919 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in seven games before getting hurt. He may only be rated as a 3-star for now, but he's the type of player who could really blow up in the rankings during his senior season.
Alabama has done excellent work in identifying undervalued talent in recent cycles. Phillips appears to be the latest example.
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