Top High School Player Commits

By Albert Nkansah
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Updated: November 14, 2013

It’s Nick Saban’s world and we’re all just living in it. That would seem to be the case after Saban was able to get a commitment from Da’Shawn Hand, defensive end out of Woodbridge, Virginia. Hand was rated the #1 recruit according to Rivals.com and his combination of size and quickness have made him a hot commodity. Hand stands at 6-4 and 260 pounds, and runs a 4.7 40 yard dash. His junior year in high school he racked up over 115 tackles and had over 15 sacks. He has continued to wow scouts with every game that he plays and that might explain why was given 94 scholarship offers.

“Hand is a great talent who has the makings of a first round draft pick in a few years and should be an early impact performer with his ability to play end or outside linebacker. He has a great first step and a bevy of pass rush moves to keep offensive linemen off-balance and he is so strong he dominated linemen nearly 100-pounds heavier than him. The decision to go to Alabama shouldn’t be as surprising as many are making it out to be. He loves the engineering program at Alabama, the coaching staff and has a great chance to win multiple national titles.” -, Patrick Schmidt, SEC senior writer and recruiting analyst for Rant Sports.

Hand narrowed his choices down to Alabama, Michigan, and Florida and made official visits to all three schools this fall. It was after visiting Gainesville in early November that Hand was ready to make a decision and he gathered all his friends and family together for the official ceremony. He ended up finishing the commitment interview with a “Roll Tide” and from there it is official that the Virginian defensive linemen was headed for Tuscaloosa.

(Photo Credit: freep.com)

Alabama adds to their already stacked recruiting class that includes Cameron Robinson, the #1 rated offensive lineman according to Rivals.com. ‘Bama is looking forward to having their 6th top recruiting class in 7 years, and Saban and company are turning their great recruiting fortunes into results as they are undefeated and on the way to winning their 4th championship in 5 years. Saban’s staff just knows how to get the top guys to be apart of their team and it shows. When it comes to Hand, he says he chose the Tide because of the overall package that Alabama brings.

I saw how the game-day atmosphere is, the culture. They have a winning tradition. They don’t lie to you. I know when I go in I won’t be No. 1 on the depth chart.” - Da’Shawn Hand

The Crimson Tide staff still isn’t done with their class as 3 of the nation’s top 4 undecided recruits list Alabama as a top possible choice. With the recruiting that Nick Saban and his staff have done and are planning to do, one has to wonder if Alabama can ever be halted from being the dominant force that they are now.

(Photo Credit: 247sports.com)

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