Father of nation’s No. 1 LB discusses continued interest in Alabama

Alabama’s first-ever recruiting class under Kalen DeBoer is the second-ranked group in the country and is still in contention for the No. 1 spot.

A little surprising is that even with such a talented class assembled, Bama holds no commitments from a prospect out of Florida. The Sunshine State regularly produces elite players each recruiting cycle, but Alabama’s out-of-state recruiting has mainly thrived in California, Georgia, and Texas thus far.

There is still a top prospect from Florida remaining on their radar in Seminole Ridge High School linebacker Ty Jackson . The nation’s No. 1 linebacker has visited three times this year, and his father says communication continues to be going well between the two sides.

“They’re going to be with him until the end and they’re an option for him,” Mr. Jackson told BOL of Alabama’s message to his son. “They’re going to ride this out. They are gracious enough to give him the opportunity to feel his way around this recruiting process. Everyone pretty much understands he’ll take this out to the Dec. 4 signing date.”

With a Dec. 4 decision date likely, Jackson will have some key visits to take this season. His father stated that while nothing is finalized, attending the following games has been discussed: Florida vs. Miami on Aug. 31, USC vs. Utah State on Sept. 7, Penn State vs. Washington on Nov. 9, and FSU vs. Florida on Nov. 30.

They’ve also talked with Alabama General Manager Courtney Morgan about returning to Tuscaloosa for the Bama vs. Georgia game on Sept. 28.

“The recruiting process is still wide open,” Mr. Jackson said. “He’s looking forward to seeing these games in person and how these teams do this upcoming season.”

With the recruiting process seemingly still far away from wrapping up, Mr. Jackson explained why the Crimson Tide remain in contention for his son.

“They’re still an elite program,” Mr. Jackson said. “Anybody who has been on Alabama’s campus knows they check the boxes, from the facilities, to the medical staff, to the training division… you have doctors on site. Sports nutritionists. They’re held to a high standard for a reason. It’s very impressive.”

Alabama is “checking off a lot of boxes” for Jackson

BOL’s conversation with Jackson’s father transpired just a couple of days after Courtney Morgan and Kane Wommack exchanged text messages with him.

Morgan has been involved in the pursuit of the top-25 recruit in the On300 since they extended an offer on Feb. 14.

“Ever since Day One, Courtney has been very open and transparent,” Mr. Jackson said of Morgan. “Real humble guy. Easy to talk with and deal with. Doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Tells it like it is. Nothing but the utmost respect for Courtney.”

Defensive coordinator/inside linebacker coach Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 scheme and how he utilizes his inside linebackers is appealing to Jackson.

“He’s excited,” Mr. Jackson said of his son’s thoughts on the defense. “That’s why they’re still an option, why they’re still being considered. He understands Coach DeBoer’s philosophy and Coach Kane’s defensive scheme that he’s bringing to the table.”

Jackson and his family have gotten an up-close look at Alabama several times this year. They attended a spring practice in March, returned in early May, and took their official visit the weekend of June 21-23.

They’ve taken notice of the job that Kalen DeBoer and his staff have done so far in Tuscaloosa.

“Having the No. 2 recruiting class is very impressive,” Mr. Jackson said. “They came in from Washington, and they were runner-ups for the championship. He just brought that formula to Alabama. Like everyone else, we’re waiting to see what they do.

“Alabama is a big stage, you can’t deny it,” Mr. Jackson added. “It’s an SEC program. They have a big stage. You’ll get your TV time. You have great fans. You’re playing in a stadium with 100,000-plus folks. You’re checking off a lot of boxes.”

Decision day is still expected to be four months away, but Jackson and his family know of the key criteria that will be considered when Dec. 4 arrives. A school’s depth chart, education, player development, and little things — such as city location and other smaller factors — will all play a role in where he chooses to go.

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