Several priority targets on hand for first game of Kalen DeBoer era

Several key recruits will be in attendance for Kalen DeBoer’s first game as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. When DeBoer and the Tide take the field against Western Kentucky this weekend, they will do so in front of some of high school football’s top prospects and will look to make a solid impression.  

Ezavier Crowell, who is considered the top running back in the class of 2027 by 247Sports, will be in Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Saturday evening matchup. The in-state product from Jackson already has a college-ready frame as a 205-pound sophomore, and posted absurd production in his freshman campaign. He should certainly be impressed when he watches Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and the rest of the Bama backs tote the rock behind the Tide’s massive offensive line this weekend. 

Of course, his Signing Day is still two cycles away, which might as well be an eternity in the recruiting world. Still, Crowell is one of the best players in the country and, as an in-state running back, might be the most important visitor Bama will host this weekend.

Brothers Xavier Sabb and Amari Sabb will also be on campus for Alabama’s season opener. The recruiting trip doubles as a family outing, as Xavier and Amari will be on hand to watch older brother Keon’s first game in the Crimson & White. Keon Sabb is expected to start at safety for the Tide after transferring in from Michigan. 

Both from Glassboro, New Jersey, Amari is a 3-star in the class of 2026 while Xavier is a borderline top-10 player in the class of 2027. 

Several other Bama targets from the 2026 and 2027 classes will also be in attendance, as will a handful of 2025 commits headlined by stud offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd. 

Coach DeBoer and his staff got off to an excellent start on the recruiting trail, and will look to keep up that momentum to close out the 2025 cycle and beyond.