It’s been a quiet 2021 recruiting cycle for the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Nick Saban. All of that changed on Friday when five-star prospect JC Latham, one of the nation’s top recruits, committed to Alabama.
JC Latham commits to Alabama Crimson Tide
Latham, a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle from IMG Academy in Florida, is one of the top tackle prospects in the nation. Even before heading into his senior season, Latham ranks as the No. 17 overall prospect in the country by 247 Sports.
On Friday afternoon, after considering offers from top programs like the LSU Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida Gators, the 2021 recruit announced his decision in a short video.
Latham becomes the first five-star recruit from the 2021 recruiting class to commit to the Crimson Tide. In comparison, Saban signed four five-star recruits in the 2020 class and three the year prior.
Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class
Nick Saban’s program entered Friday with the 45th-best recruiting class in the country, per 247 Sports. In fact, the Crimson Tide were ranked below programs like Toledo, Duke, Boston College and Georgia Tech.
Following Latham’s commitment, Alabama now ranks No. 28 in the country for 2021. The Crimson Tide are also starting to rack up some significant commitments with four-star receiver Jacorey Brooks, four-star safety Kaine Williams and four-star linebacker Ian Jackson committing over the past month.
Saban can now turn his attention to several other five-star recruits. Alabama will likely remain in pursuit of offensive tackle Tommy Brockermeyer, defensive tackle Damon Payne and Maason Smith, along with cornerbacks Ga’Quincy McKinstry and Jason Marshall.