Sting Factor: Jeremiah Alexander decommits from Alabama
When a major program loses a key recruit, Rivals.com takes a look at how big of a blow it is to the respective school, analyzing it from a local and national level. To quantify the “sting” of each decommitment, we assign a score from 1-10, with one being no big deal and 10 being a catastrophic hit.
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CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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THE SITUATION
When Jeremiah Alexander committed to Alabama in March, the 2022 four-star defensive end said he felt at home and said he felt he made a great decision.
It was going along smoothly but the Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson standout also did not get to take many visits through the coronavirus pandemic offseason. Alexander did not get to see schools and get a feel for what else was out there as many other national powers were recruiting him.
So in recent days, Alexander backed off his pledge to Alabama and told Rivals that it was always the dream school for him but he did commit early and wants to look for the best option in his recruitment.
Prior to his pledge, the Crimson Tide, Georgia and LSU were Alexander’s top three. Florida and Tennessee among others could get involved for the No. 46 prospect in the 2022 class, the No. 1 weak-side defensive end and the state’s No. 1 recruit.
LOCAL REACTION
“Alexander grew up an Alabama fan and it’s been his dream to play for the Crimson Tide. The COVID-19 pandemic really threw a wrench in the recruiting process for all top recruits throughout the country, especially underclassmen. Alexander committed early, but didn’t have a real opportunity to enjoy spring, summer and even fall visits. He didn’t have a chance to attend camps or really build relationships with various coaching staffs except through phone conversations.
"He is taking a step back to evaluate his options. It’s tough to lose one of the best players in the country, but Alabama remains very much in the mix for his future commitment. There is a long way to go." - Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com
Sting Factor: 5
NATIONAL REACTION
“Alabama losing a high four-star usually means they’ll replace him with another high four-star so this isn’t a huge loss. Yes he’s a local and yes he grew up a fan of the program, but it’s early for a 2022 kid and he is still considering the Crimson Tide. If he lands at Georgia as some have rumored, it will hurt a bit more, but right now it’s not bad.” — Mike Farrell, National Recruiting Director, Rivals.com
Sting Factor: 6