Marshall Pritchett, four-star tight end, signed with Alabama for 2025. Big dude at 6’5”, 215 pounds out of Rabun Gap, Georgia. Flipped from UNC after Bama’s staff locked him in. Senior year: 51 catches, 679 yards, 10 TDs. NCISAA champ and all state. Early enrollee, wants the Mackey Award. Dad was a Notre Dame All-American. Second TE in Bama’s No. 2-ranked class. Athletic freak. Used to play QB, dominated in lacrosse too. Ready to roll in Tuscaloosa.

When Marshall Pritchett signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2025 recruiting class, it sent ripples through the college football landscape. The 6’5”, 215-pound four-star tight end from Rabun Gap, Georgia, had previously committed to North Carolina, but when Alabama’s coaching staff turned up the heat, he flipped to the Crimson Tide. Now, with his high school career behind him, Pritchett is setting his sights on making an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa.

Dominant High School Career

Pritchett’s dominance on the field was evident throughout his senior season at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. He hauled in 51 receptions for 679 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading his team to an NCISAA state championship while earning all-state honors. His ability to stretch the field, make tough catches in traffic, and serve as a red-zone weapon made him one of the most coveted tight end prospects in the country. His frame, athleticism, and versatility made him stand out, and his recruiting stock skyrocketed as a result.

Flipping to Alabama

Initially committed to the University of North Carolina, Pritchett’s recruiting journey took a significant turn when Alabama’s staff made him a top priority. With their history of developing elite tight ends and the allure of playing in the SEC, the decision to flip made sense. For Pritchett, the chance to compete at the highest level and learn from Alabama’s offensive system was too good to pass up.

“It was a tough decision,” Pritchett admitted. “I had a lot of respect for UNC and what they were building, but at the end of the day, Alabama felt like home. The way they develop their players and compete for championships—it’s something I wanted to be a part of.”

The Athletic Freak

Pritchett isn’t just a traditional tight end—he’s an athletic marvel. Before transitioning to tight end full-time, he played quarterback, which gave him a deep understanding of offensive schemes and defensive coverages. His background as a signal-caller allows him to read defenses and find soft spots in coverage, making him a nightmare matchup for linebackers and safeties.

Beyond football, Pritchett excelled in lacrosse, showcasing his agility, coordination, and physicality. His multi-sport background has contributed to his elite footwork and ability to make plays in space, a skill set that should translate well to the SEC.

The Family Pedigree

Football runs in Pritchett’s blood. His father was an All-American at Notre Dame, meaning he grew up with the game ingrained in his DNA. Learning from his father’s experience and wisdom, Pritchett developed a strong work ethic and a high football IQ at an early age. His family background not only shaped his skills on the field but also instilled in him the mentality needed to succeed at the collegiate level.

Early Enrollee and Big Goals

One of the key factors that could accelerate Pritchett’s rise at Alabama is his early enrollment. By arriving in Tuscaloosa in January, he will have the advantage of going through spring practices, learning the playbook, and acclimating to the speed and physicality of college football before his freshman season begins. Early enrollees often have an edge in competition for playing time, and Pritchett aims to capitalize on every opportunity.

One of his biggest individual goals? The John Mackey Award, given annually to the best tight end in college football. Alabama has never produced a Mackey Award winner, but Pritchett believes he has the potential to be the first.

“I want to be the best,” he said. “I want to prove that I can compete with the top tight ends in the country and help my team win. The Mackey Award is definitely something I have my eye on.”

Fitting Into Alabama’s Offense

Alabama’s offense has long been known for its ability to utilize tight ends in multiple ways. With a scheme that incorporates tight ends as both pass-catching threats and physical blockers, Pritchett will have the opportunity to showcase his complete skill set. His size and athleticism make him a mismatch in the passing game, while his physicality and willingness to block will be crucial for earning playing time.

The Crimson Tide’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 2 in the nation, and Pritchett is the second tight end in the group. However, his skill set and versatility make him a prime candidate to emerge as a key contributor early in his career. Whether lined up in the slot, split out wide, or as an in-line blocker, Pritchett’s ability to adapt will be essential to his success.

The Road Ahead

With Alabama’s history of producing NFL talent, Pritchett has landed in an ideal situation to develop his game and prepare for the next level. The transition from high school to the SEC will undoubtedly be challenging, but his work ethic, athletic ability, and football IQ give him the tools necessary to thrive.

The road to greatness won’t be easy, but if Pritchett’s high school career and mindset are any indication, he has the potential to leave a lasting impact on Alabama football. With a state championship, all-state honors, and an impressive stat line already on his resume, his next chapter in Tuscaloosa could be just the beginning of something special.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the new wave of Alabama talent, and Marshall Pritchett is ready to prove he belongs among the elite. The Crimson Tide faithful are eager to see what their latest tight end recruit can bring to the field—and if his high school dominance is any indication, he could be Alabama’s next great star.