Former teammates had a simple message for coveted RB during Alabama's Junior Day

In life and recruitment of athletes, certain situations aren't about what you know, but instead, it's often about who you know. This truth could be the pipeline for Alabama football that seals the deal in their pursuit of coveted three-star running back Nigel Newkirk, after his recent weekend visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend during the Crimson Tide's annual Junior Day. 

I say this because, while on this visit, Newkirk had the chance to be greeted by a set of familiar faces in former Gainesville High teammates Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews. Griffin and Matthews balled with Newkirk back home in the state of Georgia before both signed with Alabama as respective 5 and 4-star recruits as part of the Tide's 2026 signing class.

Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews had a simple recruiting pitch for Nigel Newkirk

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound junior now aims to be the next Gainesville product to sign with a high-profile program like Alabama after rushing for 14 touchdowns, 1,496 yards, and catching 12 passes for 128 yards and an additional score in 2025. This is why his former Red Elephant defensive teammates left Newkirk with a direct message on Saturday after his stop with Kalen DeBoer, second-year Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and running backs coach Robert Gillespie on campus. 

This fitting message could bode well in the long run for DeBoer, Grubb, and Gillespie as the talented 2027 tries to make up his mind between other big-time suitors like Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado, and Florida, with Newkirk heading into his Red Elephants senior campaign. Of course, time will tell just how impactful this statement truly is or isn't. 

But if it does, then Griffen and Matthews' addition could end up being a trio special that benefits the Crimson Tide on both sides of the football by this time next offseason.