By Adam Robinson
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team picked up a big Hand Thursday, but it was more like a standing ovation, as Da’Shawn Hand committed to play for Alabama.
Hand, a defensive end from Woodbridge Senior High School in Virginia, is the No. 6 overall recruit in the nation and Rivals.com’s No. 1 prospect. He is Alabama’s second commit ranked in the top-6 so far this year.
Offensive lineman Cameron Robinson, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, picked the Crimson Tide in September.
The 6-foot-4, 260 pounder, chose Alabama over Michigan and Florida.
“I got to see to the campus outside of football at a camp, and I saw the game day atmosphere,” Hand was quoted to say after announcing his decision Thursday. “I know I’m not going to be No. 1 on the depth chart. It was hard, but I think I made the right decision. Roll Tide.”
Hand visited Alabama on Oct. 25 for the Tide’s 45-10 win over Tennessee.
Thursday was also Hand’s 18th birthday.
He will play in the Under Armour All-America game on Jan. 2 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Hand is the 23rd player to commit to Alabama in the 2014 class.
“Why not go where there’s a great possibility that you could win a national championship?” Hand said shortly after announcing his decision.
