Kalen DeBoer and his staff have chosen not to prioritize the 2027 recruiting class, much to the chagrin of Alabama fans. With a young roster, retention of those players is priority No. 1, and the staff doesn't feel like they have a lot of spots for developmental-type prospects in this class.
The Crimson Tide is taking an aggressive approach to the 2028 cycle, however, and already holds the No. 1-ranked recruiting class, per the 247 composite.
Alabama strengthened its hold on the top-ranked class on Friday by landing 4-star QB Kingston Preyear, the No. 44 overall player in the class. He became Alabama's fifth 2028 commitment already, joining CB Braylen Gibbs, QB Charles Scott Jr., and LBs Dustin Henry and Ryquan Butler.
A sixth commitment could be on the horizon.
Per 247's Brett Greenberg, Alabama has surged ahead in the recruitment of 4-star 2028 offensive lineman Anthony Blacklock Jr. out of Youngstown, Ohio. Greenberg submitted a crystal ball pick on Friday for Blalock to ultimately choose the Crimson Tide.
Alabama expert submits Crystal Ball pick for Crimson Tide to land 4-star Anthony Blalock Jr.
Blalock is a mammoth-sized prospect at a listed 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds before his junior season of high school has even started. He could ultimately be the first domino in what proves to be the nation's top offensive line class in 2028.
Alabama has two in-state prospects that it will make a major push for up front, too.
4-star Huntsville natives Joey Fleming and Samuel Bailey are the Crimson Tide's dream tackle duo in the 2028 cycle. They could combine with Blalock to give Alabama an elite haul of prospects on the offensive line.
Blalock is currently ranked as the No. 204 overall player in the composite rankings and the No. 12 interior offensive lineman.
Blalock made his first trip to Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit last month, and it seemed to make a massive impact on the Youngstown product. Given that he's from Ohio, holding off Ohio State, assuming the Buckeyes ultimately make him a priority, won't be easy for DeBoer and his staff, even if Blalock ultimately decides to commit to Alabama early.
There's a long way to go between now and the early signing period next December for the 2028 class.
While the 2027 recruiting cycle has been frustrating for Alabama fans, it's looking like the 2028 class will be a lot more similar to the 2025 and 2026 cycles.
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