Elite OT commits to Alabama

Alabama got some great news on the recruiting trail today when top 50 overall OT Tyler Booker committed to the Tide from IMG Academy. The football powerhouse out of Florida has become quite the pipeline for Nick Saban and company. From 247sports:

“A big man that’s all of 6-foot-5. Carries 325 pounds better than most. The voice and leader of IMG Academy. Initially viewed himself as a defensive lineman before making the full-time transition to the offensive side of the ball. The type of blocker that likes to play well through the whistle. Has come a long way over the past year or so and is more than capable of winning at the point of attack with a well-timed punch. Latches onto his target and is able to quickly find some leverage before steering would-be tacklers out of the way. Agile enough to get outside the tackle box and open up run lanes, at least at the high school level. Must get more consistent in his pass sets, but has shown that he can protect the corner with a relatively smooth kick step. Spent junior season working primarily at right tackle. Does have some additional length in the arms, but could find himself getting snaps at one of the two guard spots in college, if needed. Well respected by almost everyone in Bradenton and has drawn rave reviews from the strength staff at the national powerhouse. Will likely need some seasoning, but has the required traits – and mindset – to emerge as a multi-year starter for a Top 25 program. Has a chance to make the NFL like his uncle, Ulish Booker.”

Booker, ranked as the #5 OT and #39 overall player on the 247 Composite, follows fellow IMG standouts Evan Neal and JC Latham to Tuscaloosa. He chose Alabama over Georgia and Florida, among many others.

Highlights embedded below. Welcome, Tyler.

Roll Tide!