Alabama has hit paydirt in the Midwest once again.
Four-star outside linebacker Justin Hill announced his commitment to the Tide on Wednesday. The Cincinnati (Ohio) Winton Woods star selected Alabama over Ohio State, Oregon and USC.
Hill is the 22nd commitment for Alabama in the 2025 cycle. Coach Kalen DeBoer’s first real class in Tuscaloosa is right in the mix for the number one class in the country. Alabama is showing no signs of slowing down under DeBoer which is a scary sight for the rest of the SEC.
WHAT HILL MEANS FOR ALABAMA
This is a huge victory on the recruiting trail for many reasons. First, Alabama beat out other major powers for Hill’s pledge. There is a strong chance that at some point the Tide will cross paths with Ohio State, Oregon or USC if it wants to win a national championship under DeBoer.
So keeping him away from those programs is good for them.
Specifically, the Tide went head-to-head with in-state power Ohio State and won. The Buckeyes recruited Hill very hard. However, the vision that defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and linebackers coach Christian Robinson have for the ‘wolf’ position that Hill will play won out.
The Tide have shown this cycle they are able to grab talented players from outside the region to bolster the roster. That’s a big deal as players in the region get used to this new staff.
WHAT HILL BRINGS TO THE TIDE
There are reasons why Hill has been steadily moving up the Rivals recruiting rankings. He’s currently at No. 120 in the country with room to keep moving up.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he is big enough to take on opposing offensive linemen coming off the edge. But he’s also quick enough to play in space or get around opposing tackles. That’s why he’s such a coveted prospect for defenses that have a versatile piece like Alabama’s ‘wolf.’
Hill has a quick first step off the line which makes him a big asset in pass rush situations. The Ohio native has good track times in the 100m proving his athletic ability. He’ll continue adding muscle mass in college. But he’s got a chance to be a major impact player in the SEC.
