Losing a four-star recruit is always tough, and Alabama football, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, is facing that challenge as defensive lineman Antonio Coleman, an in-state standout from Saraland, has switched his commitment to rival Auburn. The Tigers, led by Hugh Freeze in his second season, secured Coleman after his visit on Saturday.
Hayes Fawcett of on3.com reported the news via X (formerly Twitter), noting that Coleman, who stands 6’2″ and weighs 280 pounds, had been committed to Alabama since March.
The loss of Coleman is a setback for Alabama, especially as they navigate their first season under DeBoer. Recruiting is a demanding and delicate process, and managing a roster of young, highly-rated players adds to the challenge. Losing a four-star recruit to their biggest rival stings even more, given Alabama’s history of being strong on both sides of the ball during Nick Saban’s tenure. DeBoer has a legacy to uphold, and maintaining a strong roster is crucial.
Despite the setback, Alabama is likely to recover. DeBoer and his staff have been active in recruiting, and they can find another player with a skill set similar to Coleman’s. However, seeing Coleman play for Auburn instead of Alabama will still hurt for Crimson Tide fans.
Auburn, on the other hand, is building momentum under Freeze. After a successful visit, Coleman chose the Tigers, despite Alabama initially being favored. Freeze is shaping Auburn into a strong team, similar to his Ole Miss squads from the 2010s. Flipping recruits like Coleman is a positive step, but maintaining success in both high school recruiting and the transfer portal is essential for Auburn’s path to their first College Football Playoff title.
