Kalen DeBoer successfully flips Illinois RB commitment as Alabama's run begins

One of Sunday's predictions has already panned out for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama. Fresh off an official visit to Tuscaloosa, 3-star RB Javari Barnett flipped his commitment on Monday from Illinois to Alabama:

Barnett, a native of Tampa Bay, committed to Illinois back in April, but picked up an offer from the Crimson Tide shortly after. He attended Alabama's A-Day later that month and scheduled an official visit for the final weekend before the dead period.

Barnett only played in three games as a junior in high school due to injury, but he has the size, talent, and tape, albeit limited, to be a legitimate starting running back in the SEC. A healthy senior season will likely see interest increase, but this is another case of the Tide staff evaluating a prospect, liking what they see, and making him an offer before others could jump on him.

That same process worked last year with Keelon Russell, and worked again this year with OL Chris Booker, who announced on Sunday he was shutting down his recruitment despite overtures from many major programs.

Alabama is hopeful to grab two running backs in this cycle. Barnett's commitment will not impact Alabama's standing with 5-star in-state RB Ezavier Crowell, who will announce his decision on Thursday.

Alabama's big summer recruiting run is commencing

The long-awaited recruiting run for DeBoer and Alabama is finally here. Alabama landed a commitment for the second straight day, with Barnett joining DL JJ Finch, who committed to the Tide on Sunday.

Barnett is the ninth commitment for the Tide in the 2026 class, with more on deck. Just yesterday, Alabama landed predictions for 3-star WR Owen Cabell and 3-star safety Rihyael Kelley (Rutgers commit) at the same time as Barnett.

Later on Sunday, Alabama landed a prediction for its biggest fish yet: 5-star in-state WR Cederian Morgan. Morgan is the second recent 5-star predicted to land with the Crimson Tide, joining safety Jireh Edwards.

It's going to be a busy few weeks for Alabama, with plenty of commitments on the horizon. Joining Crowell with announcing on Thursday is 4-star TE Mack Sutter, another prospect who has been considered a Tide lean.

Next week, Alabama targets Xavier Griffin, Cederian Morgan, Brian Williams, Booie Feaster, and Jireh Edwards are all scheduled to announce their commitments. Aside from Feaster, Alabama has a good chance of landing each one of them.

Buckle up, Bama fans. The next couple of weeks are going to be a lot of fun.