Vodney Cleveland announced a commitment to Alabama football Thursday, choosing the Crimson Tide over several prominent programs.
BREAKING: Birmingham 4-Star DL Vodney Cleveland @VodneyC commits to Alabama. pic.twitter.com/VUWhBjMO9w
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) October 31, 2024
Cleveland is considered one of the nation’s top 2026 defensive lineman prospects. He attends Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama and garners a four-star rating at the moment.
The junior’s decision to commit to Alabama came down to a variety of factors, including playing under Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach Freddie Roach.
“First off, just coach DeBoer and the coaching staff, coach Roach,” Cleveland said when discussing his decision to commit. “They just recruited me hard, and I feel like coach Roach is going to develop me as a great defensive lineman. I feel like they have a plan in store for me.”
Roach took the lead for Alabama in its pursuit of Cleveland. His connection with the four-star played a significant role in the Tide getting Cleveland’s commitment.
“Just every time we talk, it just like I’m his nephew,” Cleveland told Touchdown Alabama. “But as far as like just him putting me in that defensive line, he sees a lot in me, like what I could do in that D line.”
The Crimson Tide have benefited tremendously from having in-state talent play along its defensive front. They currently have two significant contributors, who are Alabama natives in Tim Keenan and James Smith. Cleveland looks up to both as he looks to carry on the tradition of in-state defensive line talent doing great things in Tuscaloosa.
“It means a lot, especially just watching Tim Keenan. I kind of see myself as Tim Keenan, just coming in playing like he does. James Smith, great guy. I grew up watching him play at Carver, so, it’s just a blessing be able to try to play beside him on that lineup and just work.”
Alabama football’s newest 4-Star DL commit.
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) October 31, 2024
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
