Losing a four-star recruit is never easy to bear, but it is something Alabama football and its coaching staff, lead by new head coach Kalen DeBoer, must deal with. Antonio Coleman, a Saraland defensive lineman, switched to Auburn football. Hugh Freeze, the Tigers’ second-year coach, found their guy during his visit to the Plains on Saturday.
“Four-star DL Antonio Coleman has flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn,” on3.com’s Hayes Fawcett announced via X, formerly Twitter. “The 6’2″ 280 DL from Saraland, AL had been Committed to the Crimson Tide since March.”
Losing Antonio Coleman must sting for Alabama football
The Crimson Tide’s first season under DeBoer and his new staff will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges. Recruiting is one of the most time-consuming and delicate aspects of college football, and managing a roster of largely 18- to 22-year-olds is not simple. Especially if several of those athletes are four- or five-star prospects. As a result, it is not uncommon for a four-star recruit like Coleman to back out.
However, this does not make the sting any less painful. Alabama has been stacked on both sides of the ball for the majority of legendary coach Nick Saban’s tenure. DeBoer must protect and perpetuate Saban’s legacy, since this is the finest way to respect his accomplishments and time in Tuscaloosa. Crimson Tide fans will be disappointed that they have lost a highly ranked recruit to their biggest opponent.
Chances are Alabama football will be OK in the long run. DeBoer and his staff have worked hard to recruit, and much of it has paid off. They can find another player with skills comparable to Coleman’s.
That is not to say that seeing him in white and navy rather than white and red will make it any less painful.
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