Recruiting at a high level inside the state of Alabama was a major part of the Crimson Tide’s success under Nick Saban, and Kalen DeBoer looks to make sure he is actively recruiting the state.
Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class has five pledges from in-state prospects. The Tide also holds a commitment from 2026 four-star defensive back and in-state recruit, Jamarrion Gordon. Alabama would love to pair some top underclassmen talent with Gordon.
Here is a look at five potential priority 2026 in-state targets for Alabama:
Anthony Jones – 5-Star LB
Jones made it clear Alabama was still one of his top schools following Nick Saban’s retirement and the hiring of Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack.
The pair made it out to see Jones quickly after getting hired.
“It was cool,” Jones said when discussing his conversation with Wommack and DeBoer. “I like the head coach, and I was already cool with Kane Wommack.”
Jones is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker, who can play with his hand in the ground and off the ball. He explodes out of his three-point stance when he is rushing from the edge and shows the ability to turn speed into power as he possesses impressive strength. Jones can also turn and run and be effective when called upon to play in space.
Alabama is set to host Jones this weekend.
St. Paul’s Episcopal @spsmobile_al 2026 LB Anthony Jones @Tank_Jones251 wears the “Tank” nickname well at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds.
This is not your typical ninth grader. Offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and others. pic.twitter.com/oAgZmNvQJi
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) May 13, 2023
Cederian Morgan – 4-Star WR
It was clear Alabama was going to be a factor in Cederian Morgan’s recruitment the moment Kalen DeBoer offered him.
“It means a lot,” Morgan told Touchdown Alabama. “It’s a dream come true as an in-state kid. I always watched Alabama growing up, and all of my family members are big Alabama fans. Any time it was a big game, we were the type of family that got together and just watched Alabama. It’s just a dream come true.”
The Benjamin Russell High School product provided a glimpse of what to expect from him this upcoming season in the spring when he pulled in two touchdowns and 186 receiving yards on seven receptions against Auburn High School. The best way to described Morgan in the game was a terror to cover as he appeared to create separation with each of his long strides throughout the progression of his routes. He also displayed an ability to create distance from defenders with deceptiveness while running his routes along with the ability to hit another gear with the football in his hands.
Benjamin Russell 2026 6-foot-5 4-Star WR Cederian Morgan is an attention getter.
He has picked up recent offers Alabama, Clemson, Miami and Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/khab6hoP37
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) June 29, 2024
Vodney Cleveland – 4-Star DL
Cleveland is one of the most dominant and physical 2026 defensive lineman prospects in the country.
Alabama re-offered him last month, and the Tide is set to host him again this weekend.
“I think coach DeBoer is a great guy, great coach, and he’s going to hold everyone accountable and to a certain standard,” Cleveland said. “Alabama is still going to be Alabama.”
At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Cleveland is dominant in the trenches for the Lions. He plays with active hands combined with an explosive burst off the snap of the football.
2026 4-Star DL Vodney Cleveland will visit Alabama and Auburn this weekend.
— Touchdown Alabama Recruiting (@TDARecruiting) July 24, 2024
Zyan Gibson – 4-Star DB
Gibson will also return to Alabama this weekend for his third visit since picking up an offer from the Crimson Tide.
The Gadsden City product continues to rise as a recruit with offers from some of the nation’s best, including offers from Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and others.
“They really like me, and they like my game,” Gibson said when discussing Alabama at the Under Armour Future 50.
Gibson is a long 6-foot-1 defensive back with very good reaction skills to go along with his elite speed, which is verified by his 10.85 PR in the 100-meter dash. He also works back down the field with good closing speed and can make plays on special teams as a returner.
Gadsden City 2026 DB Zyan Gibson @ZyanGibson has leaped onto the recruiting scene with offers from Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss and others.
🎥 via @DexPreps pic.twitter.com/mW6RIBo9OJ
— Touchdown Alabama Recruiting (@TDARecruiting) May 17, 2024
Ja’Michael Jones – 4-Star RB
Jones attends Pike Road High School in Alabama.
He continues to have a strong relationship with Alabama’s running back coach Robert Gillespie.
“The relationship is very strong because ever since day one, he’s been having a real good relationship,” said Jones
At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, Jones runs the football with patience and an explosive burst. He feels his ability to break tackles is among his biggest strengths of the moment, but he wants to get faster, more explosive and become a better route runner.
Pike Road 2026 RB Ja’Micharl Jones @MikeJones__21 feels his relationship with Alabama RB coach Robert Gillespie is ‘very strong.’
He is also feeling love from Ole Miss, Tennessee, UCF, Oregon and others. pic.twitter.com/VMcTPKU8CV
— Touchdown Alabama Recruiting (@TDARecruiting) February 23, 2024
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
