4-star athlete Chadarius Townsend of Tanner, AL became the newest addition to the Tide’s class of 2017 Wednesday night after choosing the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Kentucky. This was actually just the public announcement of Townsend’s commitment, he actually gave his verbal on June 3rd but wanted to weigh out his options before tying the knot.

At 6-0, 180 lbs., Townsend is a player with breathtaking speed (4.3 40) that can make a play as soon as he gets the ball in his hands. He has great vision and his breakaway speed is just unparalleled. He is actually the quarterback for the Tanner Rattlers and also returns kicks. Alabama will probably look to play him at defensive back or wide receiver, but he is too versatile of a player to not have the ball in his hands.

2014 was Townsend’s first year under center for Tanner, rushing for 1,571 yards and 20 touchdowns on 153 carries and threw for 857 yards and 18 scores. Not too shabby for a guy who is new to the position.

Chadarius Townsend becomes the fifth commit in Alabama’s 2017 class and could be a guy to watch out for when he steps on the field in Tuscaloosa. Just imagine having Townsend and Najee Harris on the field together, the future is bright.

Townsend was recruited by Alabama defensive backs coach Mel Tucker and special teams coach Bobby Williams.

Justin Wagner is the Scouting Coordinator and Lead Recruiting Analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine,  Follow him on Twitter, at @jwag718.