On Monday, Alabama landed a pivotal commitment for its 2027 recruiting class when 4-star LB Kenneth Simon II out of Brentwood, Tennessee, announced his pledge to the Crimson Tide. Kalen DeBoer beat out Josh Heupel and Tennessee and Kirby Smart and Georgia to make it happen.
Simon's father played college football at Tennessee, and his status as a Vols legacy recruit made the recruiting win that much sweeter.
Obviously, a commitment in May doesn't mean what it once did, however. There are still six months between now and the early signing period, and you can bet that programs like Tennessee, Georgia, and plenty of others will be trying to stay in contact with Simon to potentially get him to flip between now and December.
But Simon's comments and actions in the aftermath of his Monday commitment point to a player who is more of a throwback. Simon is comfortable with his choice of the Crimson Tide, and there appears to be little chance of swaying him.
Kenneth Simon II will only take an official visit to Alabama, per 247's Brett Greenberg
Simon took some unofficial visits throughout his recruitment, but he decided to make his college decision before setting up any summer officials. As has been reported in the past, Simon planned to only take one official visit, and it would be to whichever school he ultimately committed to.
According to 247's Brett Greenberg, Simon will be sticking to that:
“He’ll only be taking official visits to his school he committed to.”
— Waaaay Offsides Cotton (@AlafrigginBama) May 14, 2026
Interesting update on Kenneth Simon II via Brett Greenberg for Bama 247.
Alabama’s newest 2027 commit tells Brett that he plans to only take an OV to the school he’s currently committed to - a rare… pic.twitter.com/eSLDfkEnlU
That's certainly a throwback mentality.
Oftentimes, even prospects who are committed and 100% locked into the schools they chose will take a full set of visits. The recruiting process is enjoyable when you are being wined and dined by major programs and some of the best coaches in America.
But Simon appears to have no interest in that. He's only planning on taking the trip to Tuscaloosa in the coming months, and he's locked in with the Crimson Tide.
Simon should be a glove-like fit in Kane Wommack's defensive system. He might have an old-school mentality, but he's a new-age linebacker, capable of bringing the thump against the run, but also dropping into coverage and holding up in space.
Simon played safety in high school before transitioning to linebacker. He compares favorably physically to former Alabama LB Justin Jefferson, who was recently selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft. Simon is far ahead of where Jefferson was at this stage of their careers, however, and has a higher ceiling.
Simon's commitment gives Alabama some major momentum heading into official visit season, as DeBoer and his staff look for a third straight fruitful summer on the recruiting trail.
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