Alabama has been ‘a dream school’ for coveted 5-star EDGE

On Saturday, 5-star prospect Zion Elee narrowed his 30-plus offer sheet down to five programs. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State are the finalists for the No. 1 EDGE in the Class of 2026.

Interestingly enough, Elee has not yet stepped foot on Bama’s campus. He was previously planning to be in Tuscaloosa in June, but those plans did not materialize.

In a conversation with BamaOnLine , Elee says his longtime admiration of the Crimson Tide’s program put them in his final group.

“Alabama has been a dream school since I was a kid,” Elee told BOL. “I’ve been a follower of the college since all the national championships and since Nick Saban ‘s reign. That was my favorite coach, obviously. It’s really just the love I have for Alabama before my recruiting process even started.

“And then from them recruiting me so well…. I’m trying to build a relationship with my position coach,” Elee continued. “Once we build more of a relationship, I’ll try to get down there for a game.”

Elee, who plays for St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, elaborated on why Alabama caught his attention from a young age.

“Really, just their culture,” Elee said. “They were always a winning team. They always dominated. Coach Saban always coached hard. I always read the articles about that and what he does for his guys. That’s what I like.”

Alabama has also developed edge rushers at a high level, with Dallas Turner (No. 17 overall NFL Draft pick) and Will Anderson (No. 3 overall pick) being evidence of that in recent years. Elee added that their history at the position — and the history of his other finalists — was a key factor in them landing on his list.

While he does not have a date circled on his calendar, Elee plans to be in Bryant-Denny Stadium this fall.

“I’ll get down for a game. I just haven’t chosen a game yet,” Elee said.

As for Bama’s pursuit, Elee was offered by the program back in late April. He’s primarily been in communication from Colin Hitschler , but hears from Christian Robinson occasionally as well.

“We talk pretty frequently,” Elee said of Hitschler. “We’re currently trying to build the relationship. I have a decent relationship with him. He talks about trying to get me down on campus. He also talks about how I can benefit from the program.”

Recruits and college fans alike are waiting to see the on-the-field results from Alabama’s new-look program this season.

In the meantime, the staff has put together the No. 2 overall recruiting class in the 2025 cycle, something that Elee has taken notice of.

“I think they’re recruiting hard,” Elee said. “They’re still one of the top schools in the country. I haven’t spoken with [Coach DeBoer] yet but I know that he took over from Nick Saban and they’re still recruiting great. Nothing has changed. Alabama is still a top school, even with the change at head coach.”

Elee’s current plan is to make a decision well before he is able to start taking official visits next spring. He’ll commit either before or after the Under All-American Game in Orlando, which will be in early January.

The No. 6 overall junior in the nation laid out the most important factors that he’ll consider when it’s time to make his decision.

“All of these schools have nice programs. All of them can develop me to where I want to go,” Elee said. “So, what I’m really looking for is a home. A nice campus that I feel would be for me. A school that can provide for my needs. What school wants me the most. NIL-wise, that’ll probably be the last component that comes into it. I’m going to narrow it down by how the school looks and everything, and the last component will probably be the factor of NIL and how much they’re willing to give me.”

In his 2023 season at Joppatowne High School, Elee recorded 64 total tackles and 24 tackles for loss. He also recorded 13 sacks during his impressive sophomore season. You can watch his full highlights down below!

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