Alabama stood at one verbal commitment for its 2021 recruiting class at one point in time; however, the number has grown to eight.
Christian Leary, a four-star wide receiver from Orlando, Fla., committed on Wednesday – giving the Crimson Tide its third receiver from the sunshine state. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder has incredible speed and his playing style reminds fans of former Tide receiver Henry Ruggs III and current receiver Jaylen Waddle.
According to Justin Smith, the lead scouting and recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, he said Leary “fills a position of need” for Alabama. With the possibility of losing both Waddle and DeVonta Smith to the NFL Draft after this season, Nick Saban has to restock the room at receiver. After pulling in two big-bodied targets in Agiye Hall and Jacorey Brooks, Saban targeted a speedster in Leary and landed his commitment. Alabama continues to bring in the best prospects from Florida, as Amari Cooper started the trend in 2012 from Miami.
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On Friday’s airing of In My Own Words, Smith broke down the importance of the Tide getting Leary and he also spoke on some athletes who could see their recruitment take a huge jump at the Under Armour Underclassmen camp.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
