Alabama making push for 3-Star running back who can run a 4.2 forty

© Andrew Craft / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama football has its eyes on Tai Phillips as one of its top running back targets in the 2027 recruiting class.

Phillips attends Irmo High School in Irmo, South Carolina and most recruiting sites have him rated as a three-star recruit. His offer list includes Alabama, North Carolina State, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and others.

The 2027 recruit has announced official visits to Alabama and Virginia Tech. The Crimson Tide offered Phillips after an impressive camp performance last summer.

“It definitely means the world to me,” Phillips said after receiving the offer. “When you think of college football, Alabama is always the main topic. I’ve always envisioned myself running in crimson and white ever since I was a kid and now that I can make that a reality, it is surreal to me.”

The Crimson Tide’s running back coach Robert Gillespie has stayed in contact with the South Carolina product, and the two have built a solid relationship.

“He is like a mentor to me,” Phillips told Touchdown Alabama.

Alabama football’s player development is what the Crimson Tide is attempting to drive home to Phillips.

“They are telling me they have the ability to make a man out of me, on and off the field,” Phillips said.

At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Phillips is a tenacious and explosive runner of the football who displays patience and vision while looking for space as he blocks develop. He reports a 4.26 40-yard dash time, and one can see flashes of his explosive speed when he presses the gas and explodes onto the open field after getting a carry.

Watch Tai Phillips’ Highlights Below: