Kalen DeBoer and Alabama in a battle for elite 2027 DB against programs with deep NIL pockets

Maurice Linguist has been a godsend for Kalen DeBoer in terms of recruiting and developing defensive backs. Since Linguist has been in Tuscaloosa, he has consistently landed some of the nation's top defensive backs, while setting Alabama up to land more in the future with how quickly he has prepared the youngsters to get on the field.

Alabama's highly regarded 2026 class featured a pair of 5-star defensive backs in CB Jorden Edmonds and S Jireh Edwards, both of whom have a chance to crack the rotation for the Crimson Tide despite how loaded the roster is on the back end.

In the 2027 class, Linguist and DeBoer are aiming high once again.

One of their top targets is 4-star DB Gabriel Osborne Jr., who could project as a CB or Safety at the college level. Osborne is ranked as the No. 40 overall player in the 2027 class and the No. 6 CB in the 247 composite rankings.

On Tuesday, Osborne trimmed his list down to five schools. As expected, Alabama made the cut, but DeBoer and company will face stiff competition from programs with deep pockets and seemingly unlimited resources in this era of pay-for-play.

Joining Alabama in his final five are Oklahoma, Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami (FL).

4-star DB Gabriel Osborne Jr. names Alabama in his Top 5 schools

Osborne has an official visit set up with Alabama in June, and most of the intel in his recruitment has pointed toward this being a Crimson Tide vs. Buckeyes battle.

But you can't count out Michigan or Miami, considering what they are capable of spending. You also certainly cannot count out Oklahoma, and the draw for Osborne to stay home. The 4-star prospect is a native of Mustang, Oklahoma.

Alabama has proven during the DeBoer era of knowing how to host an official visitor, and it'll look to put its best foot forward with Osborne. He's not quite as big as some other Alabama corners like Dijon Lee and Edmonds, but he certainly fits the bill of players that Linguist has targeted with his 6-foot-2 frame.

Osborne's recruitment is heating up as summer arrives. Despite how challenging it will be to reel him into Tuscaloosa with the competition for his services, it's hard to count the Crimson Tide out with how well they have recruited his position group.

If DeBoer and Alabama can hit a home run during his official visit, as they have so many times before, then they'll position themselves for a massive win on the recruiting trail.

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