From the moment I stepped onto the football field as a young kid in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, I knew I was chasing something bigger than myself. Football wasn’t just a sport — it was my way out, my identity, my family’s dream, and my calling. Today, I’m proud to announce that I will be committing to the University of Alabama to play for the Crimson Tide.
This wasn’t just about a logo or a helmet or national TV appearances. It was about legacy. About family. About greatness. And yes, I had amazing options — including North Carolina and Ohio State — but in the end, the pull of Tuscaloosa, the prestige of Alabama football, and the legendary standard of excellence set by Coach Nick Saban and now being carried forward by Coach Kalen DeBoer proved too strong to ignore.
Let me take you through why I made this decision — the most important one of my young life — and what I hope to accomplish in crimson and white.
The Recruitment Journey
The recruiting process was exciting, overwhelming, and emotional all at once. I received my first Power Five offer as a sophomore, and things skyrocketed after my junior season when I racked up over 1,300 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Soon, I was being hosted on visits by schools like Clemson, Tennessee, LSU, and Texas.
But the three schools that remained constant throughout my process — the ones that never just pitched me but actually invested in me — were Alabama, North Carolina, and Ohio State.
Coach Mack Brown at UNC is a legend in his own right. There’s no denying what he’s building in Chapel Hill. There was a deep appeal to stay home and be “that guy” who puts Carolina football on the map. They made a strong pitch: family, immediate playing time, and the chance to bring a championship to my home state.
Ohio State, on the other hand, came with wide receiver royalty. Coach Brian Hartline is arguably the best receivers coach in the country. Their recent NFL success stories — Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson — speak for themselves.
But then came Alabama.
Why Alabama? Three Letters: G.O.A.T.
Alabama doesn’t just recruit. They recruit greatness.
When you walk into the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, you don’t just see weight racks and plasma screens. You see Heismans. You see crystal balls. You see a wall of All-Americans, All-Pros, national titles, and NFL draft picks. You feel the standard — and you either rise to meet it or you don’t belong.
That energy is what pulled me in.
Even after Coach Saban retired, nothing about the Alabama standard changed. Coach Kalen DeBoer, coming off an incredible run at Washington, is not only a proven winner but someone who’s already showing he understands the culture of Tuscaloosa. The transition from Saban to DeBoer didn’t scare me — it excited me. Because I saw the potential to be part of a new chapter in Alabama dominance. A chapter I could help write.
Coach JaMarcus Shephard, who came over with DeBoer, was the one who sealed the deal for me. He didn’t promise me starting reps or inflated stats. He promised me accountability. He said, “You’ll earn everything here. You’ll get coached hard. You’ll be uncomfortable. But when you leave? You’ll be a man — and an NFL star.” I believed him.
The Brotherhood of Bama
One thing I didn’t expect during my visits to Alabama was how genuine the player culture was. Guys like Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, and Jalen Hale — dudes who could be my future teammates — didn’t treat me like a recruit. They treated me like family. They told me the real deal. The workouts are brutal. The expectations are unforgiving. But the growth? Unmatched.
They described the brotherhood, the late-night film sessions, the off-day player-run practices, the standard of always being 1% better than the guy in front of you and behind you. It wasn’t all sunshine and photo ops. It was gritty. It was real. And it was exactly what I was looking for.
I don’t want a red carpet. I want a runway — one that launches me toward the NFL and gives me the tools to dominate when I get there.
Family First: Why This Means Everything
My mom works double shifts at a local hospital. My dad never got to chase his dreams — he worked three jobs so that I could. Every camp they sent me to, every travel team I joined, every meal they skipped to pay for my cleats — I carry that with me.
This decision isn’t just about me. It’s about us.
When I told my parents I was choosing Alabama, my dad cried. Not because I chose a big-time program, but because he knew I wasn’t taking the easy road. He said, “Son, go where you’ll be forged. That’s Alabama.”
We’ve dreamed of this moment our whole lives. I’m doing this for my little brother who wants to wear #1 just like I do. I’m doing this for my community back home, who believed in me even when I was just a skinny kid catching passes at the local YMCA.
I’m doing this for everyone who sacrificed so I could wear the Crimson Tide jersey with pride.
What I Bring to the Tide
At 6’2”, 190 pounds with elite top-end speed and route discipline, I believe I can bring something special to Alabama’s offense. I pride myself on being more than a highlight-reel guy. I study coverages, I block in the run game, I win contested balls, and I bring fire every down.
I model my game after DeVonta Smith and CeeDee Lamb. Crisp routes, sure hands, and explosive YAC ability.
But more than the stats, I bring a mindset: I’m coming to compete. Whether I’m WR1 or WR5, I’m going to show up every day like I’m behind. Like I’ve got something to prove. Because I do. Because this isn’t just about playing college ball. This is about being great.
Vision for the Future: Natty or Bust
I didn’t come to Alabama to play in mid-tier bowls or stack meaningless yards. I came to win rings.
I want a national title. I want the SEC Championship. I want the Biletnikoff Award. I want to go down as one of the greatest receivers in Alabama history. That’s the bar.
I know that won’t come easy — especially in the SEC, where every week feels like a war. But that’s what excites me. I’m not ducking competition. I’m chasing it.
Coach DeBoer’s offensive system is creative, aggressive, and balanced. The way he turned Rome Odunze into a top-10 NFL pick at Washington made me believe that I could be next in line. If I do the work — and I will — I know this offense can showcase every part of my game.
To the Fans: Let’s Get to Work
To the Crimson Tide faithful: thank you for welcoming me.
From the moment I posted my offer, y’all showed love like no other fan base in the country. The DMs, the edits, the support — it all meant the world to me.
I promise you this: I won’t be outworked. I’ll give everything I’ve got to this program, this jersey, and this tradition. I know what comes with wearing that Alabama A. I embrace it. I want the pressure.
I’ll be enrolling early in January 2026, and from that first winter workout, I’m locked in.
