Kalen DeBoer bringing in 5-star Alabama target for the LSU game

Alabama’s matchup with LSU is always one of the most important games on the schedule, but this year it will have added significance on the recruiting trail with five-star wide receiver Monshun Sales scheduled to be in attendance at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The No. 2 wide receiver in the country is one of Kalen DeBoer’s top targets in the 2027 class. 

Sales has been heavily recruited, continuing to receive offers throughout the summer from national powerhouse programs such as Ohio State and Florida State, but according to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, the Crimson Tide are the favorites to land the 6-foot-5 pass catcher from Indianapolis. 

Monshun Sales is like Alabama’s next 5-star wide receiver

Since taking over the program, DeBoer has recruited at an elite level, especially at the wide receiver position. One of his first tasks after replacing Nick Saban was to lure Ryan Williams back into the 2024 class following his decommitment. Then, DeBoer and wide receiver coach JaMarcus Sheppard added elite four-star Derek Meadows in 2025 before nailing down a commitment from Cederian Morgan in the 2026 class. 

This summer also included a recruiting battle over five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys, who is currently committed to LSU, but is on major flip watch. He could be another WR priority for the Tide, but with Morgan in tow, the staff’s attention has almost certainly turned to Sales. 

The goal in the 2027 class would be to pair Sales with five-star quarterback Elijah Haven, who has expressed interest in the Tide early in the process. 

Far from a perfect prospect

While a five-star rating can conjure the image of a perfect prospect, Sales is relatively raw heading into his junior year of high school football. He possesses elite size and athleticism, at nearly 6-foot-5 and almost 200 pounds, and he knows how to leverage his frame to create position on jump balls and as a dominant run blocker on the perimeter. He does, however, lack refinement as a route-runner. 

Sales’ tape reveals a surprisingly limited pass-catcher. He’s an elite field stretcher, creating downfield separation with his long strides, but his route-tree is restricted to mostly fades and posts, with almost no horizontal breaking routes. He’s a smooth runner with wiggle after the catch, so that should translate to a more technically sound game over time, but he has a long way to go before he can become the focal point of a college passing game. 

The good news is that he has time. Sales has two more seasons to turn his gaudy physical gifts into a well-rounded offensive weapon. That’s what the industry is banking on, ranking him as a five-star this early, and what DeBoer staff expects with this major recruiting push.