2021 4-Star defensive end, Monkell Goodwine, announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday.
Goodwine is a product of National Christian Academy in Maryland. The 4-Star recruit is the Tide’s 17th commit in the 2021 recruiting class and the first player to commit to the Tide this month. Alabama’s journey to secure a commitment from Goodwine began in March of 2019 when they first offered him.
They were able to get him on campus two months later in June for an unofficial visit, where he worked out in front of some of Alabama’s coaches. Nick Saban also got an opportunity to talk one on one with goodwine during that visit.
“It was good, even though we talked on the phone, he was saying that he wanted to meet me in person and see what I can bring to the field at the camp,” Goodwine told Touchdown Alabama in June. “We talked about how he likes my film and how good I was doing in one on ones at the camp. He said I am a very athletic guy and also my burst off the line is great. He also told me, if I get bigger, I will stay at the position I am playing now, but if my size frame gets smaller, I will play outside linebacker. Coach Saban is great and has a great spirit. He is a very calm coach and can be very energetic when it comes to football.”
Alabama’s coaching staff remained involved in Goodwine’s recruitment from that point on. Nick Saban and other members of the Tide’s staff have been consistent in their contact with Goodwine throughout the recruiting dead period as they contacted him via Zoom and phone calls multiple times.
“They are consistent in their contact,” Goodwine told touchdown Alabama in June. “They tell me how much I can fit in their defense. I have been talking to coach Saban, coach Sal (Sunseri) and coach (Charles) Huff. I love the staff.”
The National Christian Academy product currently comes in at 6-4 and weighs 260 pounds. He is quick off the snap and shows great closing speed in pursuit of the football. The most impressive part about his game is his ability and willingness to go after the football when the play is directed away from him.
WATCH GOODWINE’S JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS BELOW:
The Tide could receive some more good news on the recruiting trail Saturday as 4-Star defensive back, Khyree Jackson is also expected to announce his commitment.
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Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
