Commitment Analysis: Sopsher snubs LSU for Alabama

Ishmael Sopsher has been a top target for Alabama and LSU since the 2016 season. He is big body on the defensive line out of Amite, a powerful program in Louisiana and this one went back and forth to the final minute.

Sopsher looked to be a fairly strong Alabama lean for much of the fall and into early winter, but LSU really made a strong push at the end to close the gap. Even with all the coaching changes in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide won out.

Both of these schools are built from the inside out, starting up front, so this is a huge win for Alabama.

HOW IT HELPS ALABAMA: This is another steal for the Crimson Tide out of the Boot. Cameron Robinson, DeVonta Smith (former teammate of Sopsher's), Irv Smith and others have left Louisiana to go one and become stars in Tuscaloosa. Sopsher was a top priority for Alabama for years. Sopsher kept visiting Tuscaloosa and getting the feel for T-Town. It felt like home.

As a player, Sopsher plays a premium position and he has the ability to change games when he wants to. Being consistent is something he needs to improve. He has the frame, the power, the agility and the ability to be an All-SEC player down the road. Alabama is known for getting the best out of their players, so if they draw the best out of Sopsher on a consistent basis, he could play to that five-star form.

HOW IT HURTS LSU: This is a big, big loss for LSU. Sopsher is so close to Ed Orgeron and he has spent countless days in Baton Rouge the last few years. With coach O being a defensive line specialist, this one has to sting a little extra. Sopsher is another top in-state prospect that LSU lost to Alabama. Defensive line was a need in this class and Sopsher is a big miss.