ESPN: No. 1 American Football Program Secures Commitment from Five-Star Wide Receiver – Why I Choose Alabama Over North Carolina and Michigan.
The moment I made the decision to commit to the University of Alabama, it wasn’t just about tradition, or the trophies, or even the chance to play under one of the greatest coaching staffs in the history of college football. It was about the feeling I got when I stepped onto that campus, the conversations I had with the people who make Alabama more than just a football powerhouse, and the vision I saw for my future—not just as an athlete, but as a person. I knew I had the opportunity to go anywhere in the country. Programs like North Carolina and Michigan gave me everything I needed to consider them serious contenders. But Alabama gave me more. They gave me a home.
From the very beginning of my recruiting journey, I promised myself I wouldn’t rush things. I wanted to visit every campus, talk to every coach, and see how I fit within each system—on and off the field. North Carolina was one of the first schools to show real interest, and they came at me strong. The coaching staff made me feel welcomed. They had a clear plan for how I’d be utilized in their offense, and there’s no doubt that Chapel Hill has its own magic. That program is on the rise, and there’s real belief in what they’re building. I respect that. They were upfront, they were transparent, and most importantly, they never tried to sell me something they couldn’t deliver. But as I walked around that campus, met the current players, and imagined my life there, something felt just slightly off. It wasn’t a bad feeling—just not the right one.
Michigan, on the other hand, had the allure of history. The Big House, the traditions, the fan base—everything about Ann Arbor screamed legacy. Coach Harbaugh and his staff treated me like family. I loved the way they developed their wide receivers. I paid close attention to their player progression, the way they integrate wideouts into their pro-style offense, and the structure they bring into the program. It’s no coincidence they’ve been contending at the highest level. I watched them dominate on Saturdays and thought to myself, “I could be a part of that.” They laid out an academic path that was strong, and I knew that if I committed there, I’d be set up for life no matter what happened on the field. Still, I felt like something was missing.
When I visited Tuscaloosa, it didn’t take long to feel the difference. Alabama doesn’t need to talk about their success—it’s everywhere you look. From the moment I arrived, it felt like I was stepping into a program that expected greatness, not just hoped for it. There’s a culture there that’s unmatched. Everybody is on the same page. From the training staff to the nutritionists, to the academic advisors, and of course, to the coaches—everybody knows what they’re there to do. There’s no ego, no fluff. Just football, development, accountability, and results.
Coach Kalen DeBoer played a huge role in my decision. Taking over for a legend like Nick Saban is no small task, but Coach DeBoer is already building on that foundation in his own way. He’s real, he’s smart, and he has a vision. We sat down and talked—not just about football, but about life. About how I handle pressure, how I respond to adversity, how I lead and how I follow. It was clear he’d studied me. Not just my highlight reels, but who I was behind the scenes. He wanted to know who I was before telling me who I could be in his system. That meant everything to me. He told me where I needed to grow, but also what I already had that would make me dangerous at the next level. I appreciated that honesty.
And then there’s Coach Wiggins, the wide receivers coach. His track record speaks for itself. The way he develops players at the position, teaches the nuances of route-running, separation, reading defenses, and finding soft spots in coverage—it’s all elite. I watched film with him and immediately saw how much I could learn under his guidance. There was no talk about just being “the guy.” It was about being the right guy at the right time, in the right role, and learning to thrive in the system. I saw the attention to detail in how they coached receivers and how they put them in position to succeed—not just in college, but in the NFL. That’s what I’m chasing.
Alabama’s offensive system was another major factor. With the changes they’re making under the new staff, I see an even greater emphasis on vertical threats, spacing, and using wide receivers creatively. I’m not just going there to be a deep threat or someone who runs slants. I’m going to be developed as a complete receiver. Screens, crossers, digs, posts, go routes, double moves—I want to be able to do it all. And they’re going to demand that of me. I don’t want to be somewhere that lets me cruise. I want to be pushed every day.
Then there’s the competition. Iron sharpens iron. Every practice at Alabama is like a Saturday. The talent level is insane, and that’s exactly what I need. I don’t want to be the biggest fish in a small pond. I want to earn every rep. If you’re scared of competing, you don’t belong at Alabama. And that’s the truth. I’m not going there to be promised a spot. I’m going there to fight for one, to grow, and to prove I belong. I know the players who came before me. Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Jameson Williams—the list goes on. That legacy isn’t intimidating. It’s inspiring.
Off the field, Alabama had everything I wanted as well. The academic support is top-tier. They made it clear that they’ll have my back to ensure I finish with a degree. That matters to my family and it matters to me. I want to set an example for my younger siblings, to show them that this is about more than football. They’ve got real programs that connect players with mentors, internships, and opportunities outside the game. Whether my path leads to the NFL or not, I’m going to be prepared.
The people I met in Tuscaloosa also made a huge impression. From the student body to alumni to boosters—there’s a unity and passion there that I didn’t feel anywhere else. It’s not fake. They live and breathe Alabama football, yes, but they also care about you as a person. I had conversations with people I’d never met before who knew my stats, who’d watched my games, and who told me what it meant to them for me to consider their school. That level of love isn’t normal. It’s special. And it stuck with me.
My family felt it too. They came on visits with me, and while they supported every option I was considering, they had their favorites. When we left Tuscaloosa, my mom said something simple but powerful: “That’s where you belong.” She saw how I lit up around the coaches, how I interacted with the players, how I talked about the future. She saw something click. And she was right.
This wasn’t an easy decision. North Carolina and Michigan are incredible programs, and I have nothing but respect for the coaches, players, and fans I met during this process. But at the end of the day, Alabama had everything I needed. They didn’t just recruit me—they recruited the man I’m trying to become. They didn’t offer me shortcuts. They offered me challenges. They didn’t talk about what I’d get. They talked about what I’d earn.
I’ve dreamed about moments like this since I was a kid. I’ve worked for them, sacrificed for them, and stayed disciplined when it would’ve been easy to slack off. And now I’m taking the next step. I’m proud to say I’m committed to the University of Alabama. I’m ready to be a part of something bigger than myself. I’m ready to wear that crimson jersey with pride, to earn every inch on that field, and to represent my family, my coaches, my city, and my future with everything I’ve got.
So to all the fans in Tuscaloosa, thank you for welcoming me. To the coaches who believed in me, thank you for the opportunity. To my parents, my mentors, and my teammates who helped me get here, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself. This is just the beginning. Roll Tide.
