While Alabama has taken some body blows in the 2027 class recently, there's still plenty of momentum brewing for the Crimson Tide on the recruiting trail.
That's not just for the 2027 class, either, though Kalen DeBoer and company are working extremely hard to have a similar summer recruiting run that they've had the last two years to solidify Top 5 classes.
DeBoer and his staff are already making inroads with some of the most impressive prospects in the 2028 class. That includes elite Detroit offensive lineman Antijuan Wilkes, who earned an Alabama offer last month.
The 6-foot-6, 280-pound high school sophomore called Alabama his "dream school."
"I’ve been wanting to go to Alabama for so long. I love watching Alabama and I just feel like it would be a great fit for me, for sure," Wilkes said in an interview with Bama OnLine.
Alabama is in a good position for top 2028 OL Antijuan Wilkes
There's still a long way to go in his recruitment, obviously, but hearing that you are the "dream school" for an elite prospect gives you a significant leg up, and it's something that DeBoer and company will undoubtedly use to their advantage.
Wilkes is currently rated as a 4-star prospect and No. 91 overall in the 247 composite. He's garnering significant interest, however, and by the time it's all said and done, will have his pick of the litter across the country.
He already holds offers from in-state Michigan and Michigan State, and received an offer from Ohio State last Friday. You can bet those programs are going to try to keep him in Big Ten country, and the pull of staying closer to home can be strong for high school kids.
But Alabama is in a good early spot for Wilkes. It's another example of the brand and pedigree of the Crimson Tide paying major dividends.