2019 5-star RB Trey Sanders: Alabama "still my top school"

When Class of 2019 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Trey Sanders backed off his longtime pledge to Alabama last month, it took many people by surprise. Most Tide fans had already penciled in Sanders as the next in a long line of start running backs. But after committing as a freshman, Sanders said he realized that he needs some more time to truly evaluate his options and determine if Alabama is the right place for him.

"I've was committed for two years and I realized that I'm going to go through this process once," Sanders said. "So I want to take my time and take a look at all these other schools and give them a shot."

Sanders declined to say which schools were making a strong push in the weeks since he de-committed but did offer Tide fans a reason for optimism. When asked where Alabama stands in his recruitment, Sanders gave a succinct answer.

"They're still my top school," he said.

As far as a plan moving forward, Sanders said he will take advantage of the new rule allowing prospects to take official visits during the spring.

"I'll end up taking all five of my official visits this spring but I haven't planned any of them yet," Sanders said. "A ton of schools have been hitting me up. I'm just keeping an open mind."

Because of his longtime pledge to the Tide, Sanders is now taking the time to meet and get to know new coaches. One staff that has reached out has been Florida State.

"They've been in touch," Sanders said. "I talked to Coach Pimpleton, the running backs coach. I'm just getting to know him. But Florida State is only an hour from my house where I grew up."

While he's not sure how his plans will shake out or which schools will get visits in the coming months, Sanders did say that early playing time will be a factor.

"I want to go in and I want to start right away," he said.