Alabama recruiting insider debunks a false narrative Kalen DeBoer cannot land 5-stars

Always be 'crootin'. That is the name of the game in major college athletics. When it comes to Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, he and his staff have some serious work to do to turn their 2027 class around. While it may rank 50th nationally over on 247Sports, the idea that DeBoer cannot land five-stars is simply not true. This unfortunately puts a nail in the coffin of a narrative Kyle Henderson is driving.

The host of Bama Football on YouTube spoke about DeBoer's recruiting impacting Monshun Sales.

"I think that the Monshun Sales situation is one of Alabama's biggest recruiting tests, Henderson said. "I think it'll tell us a couple different things. Can Kalen DeBoer close on an elite five-star? Can Alabama beat the NIL giants? Can Alabama beat Texas? Can Alabama beat Indiana, LSU? I think that right now, the perception is that Alabama can't afford a prospect like this. I think there's also a perception that a prospect like this no longer wants to come to Alabama because Alabama isn't Alabama."

It did not take long for Brett Greenberg of 247Sports to rip that false narrative Alabama to shreds.

"'Can Kalen DeBoer close on an elite five-star?' I'd say yes, considering Alabama was [tied for first] for most among the country (three) in 2026, while also signing three in 2025, and having five-star quarterback Elijah Haven in the fold for 2027," Greenberg tweeted. "Beat out [Texas] A&M, Oregon, Miami, and others for many of those, too."

Having Elijah Haven as a member of the 2027 recruiting class shows DeBoer can still land five-stars.

By following Greenberg's breadcrumbs, he is so right that Alabama landed three five-stars as a part of the 2026 recruiting class. Those players would include edge rusher Xavier Griffin out of Gainesville, Georgia, running back EJ Crowell from Jackson, Alabama, and cornerback Jorden Edmonds out of Marietta, Georgia. Griffin, Crowell, and Edmonds were all top-20 prospects in the last recruiting cycle.

While there may be some truth to Alabama not being big NIL spenders, DeBoer can recruit five-stars.

Kalen DeBoer should take umbrage over this lazy recruiting narrative

Look. No matter what happens in the final days of Sales' recruiting decision, people are going to talk. Confidence may be waning on Alabama's chances of landing the five-star wide receiver out of Indianapolis, but this was the team he grew up rooting for. That should matter in the end, right? Well, money talks, and he is certain to garner a lot of coin in the recruiting market. What a world we live in...

Alabama may have been at or near the front of the line for Sales up until recently. In-state Indiana has been a major player for him throughout the process, although teams like Ohio State and Texas have certainly started to make their run at him. Players like him are coveted by so many programs, but let's not throw dirt on Alabama just yet. Haven is coming to Alabama, as well as the three 2026 five-stars.

Right now, all that really matters is for DeBoer to land his type of guys, namely the ones who want to be here. The offers have been extended, but it is up to impressionable teenagers to make the right decisions for themselves and their families. DeBoer has developed many excellent receivers in his coaching career. Sales would be a nice pickup for sure, but quarterback play is what drives the bus.

ALSO READ: Alabama’s latest recruiting battle with Texas could end in a familiar nightmare

Ultimately, as long as Haven remains faithful to his commitment, Alabama should be fine. If he is as good as advertised, plenty of blue-chip prospects will want to come play with him. DeBoer is a lot of things, both good and bad. However, his greatest attribute as a head coach is putting his quarterback into advantageous situations to succeed. This is why Haven and Trent Seaborn are not backing down.

It might be hard keeping Haven and Sales off the field, but Alabama has to get them on campus first.

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