Alabama signed one of the top recruiting classes in the country in 2025. Kalen DeBoer and his assistants placed an emphasis on recruiting the high school ranks in the last recruiting cycle, and it will surely pay dividends in due time.
Today, Touchdown Alabama predicts five impactful freshmen for the Crimson Tide during the 2025 season.
1. CB Dijon Lee Jr.
One of the top-ranked cornerbacks in the 2025 recruiting class was Dijon Lee Jr. The California native was a priority recruit for Alabama under the new coaching staff. He was actually one of the first recruits that head coach Kalen DeBoer extended an offer to. He committed to Alabama last summer and did not waiver in his commitment to the Crimson Tide.
Lee Jr. has a prime opportunity to see playing time whether it be at cornerback or at STAR. His size and length at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds provides some flexibility for Alabama on the back end. Lee Jr. is destined to have a strong freshman campaign in Kane Wommack’s SWARM defense.
2. QB Keelon Russell
This could be going out on a limb in some people’s eyes. However, I have been outspoken of the fact that Russell should be Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2025. Therefore, it makes sense to include him as an impactful freshman. The Texas native possesses all of the attributes that are necessary to be a successful quarterback at Alabama.
Russell is a winner, leader, and most importantly, a performer. He never fails to make amazing plays on a week-in to week-out basis. He is a pass-first quarterback that can use his legs if a play breaks down. That is something that has propelled Alabama’s offenses in past years. It should play out in Alabama’s favor once again during the 2025 season. Russell has a lot to like, and Alabama fans will have the opportunity to see that in the coming years.
3. IOL Michael Carroll
Michael Caroll is a blue-chip recruit that has the potential to be a Day 1 starter in Tuscaloosa. The Pennsylvania native finished out his high school career at IMG Academy — a school well-known for producing some of college football’s biggest stars. In the past, Alabama has signed offensive linemen Tyler Booker, Evan Neal, and JC Latham out of IMG Academy. Each of which panned out at Alabama. There is early belief that Carroll can do the same.
Carroll is listed at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds. He has a knack for finishing blocks and has proven that he can do it at a high level. With Booker departing for the NFL, Caroll will have a great opportunity to compete for one of the starting guard positions. Alabama fans should expect to see him a lot during the 2025 season.
4. CB Chuck McDonald
Another cornerback that Alabama landed from California is Chuck McDonald. The former four-star is the modern-day prototype for a cornerback at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. He has the perfect blend of size, athleticism, and versatility to be a key contributor in Year 1 on Kane Wommack’s defense.
McDonald could play boundary corner or be used in the slot. It will be interesting to see which position he starts off playing for Alabama in 2025. He is more polished in one-on-one situations that Lee Jr. in my opinion. He is smooth in his drop coverage and does a good job of locating the ball. McDonald has all of the tools to be a impactful player in Alabama’s secondary next season.
5. EDGE Justin Hill
With Alabama losing starting outside linebacker Que Robinson to the NFL, there will be open competition for the starting spot at WOLF. Former four-star Justin Hill has a great opportunity ahead of him as he looks to prove his worth to the Alabama coaching staff.
The Ohio native can be utilized as an edge rusher or potentially as a defensive end depending on how he grows and matures during the offseason. He is listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. Hill has explosive burst off the edge and great bend to be able to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Hill will compete for the starting WOLF position alongside teammates Qua Russaw and Yhonzae Pierre. Regardless of if he wins the position battle or not, Hill will see meaningful snaps at the position as a true freshman.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
