He lost to Steve Sarkisian on the field, but Nick Saban took something from Texas before he retired from coaching.

One of the biggest flips in the 2024 recruiting class was the University of Alabama snatching a Texas product. 

RELATED: Former 4-star playmaker is now in a position for Alabama to have a breakout year

Aeryn "Bubba" Hampton was high on the Longhorns' radar. 

He was one of the most explosive, versatile athletes in the recruiting class -- possessing abilities as a cornerback and wide receiver. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder was a superstar at Daingerfield (Texas) High School, totaling 55 catches for 1,161 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense as a junior. Hampton posted 57 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions on defense. Saban called Hampton a 'dawg' during his recruitment and was very excited to get him.

Hampton has settled in at receiver in spring practice. Kobe Prentice, a junior from Calera, Ala., has been looked at as the best route runner on the team. Prentice, who came in the 2022 recruiting class, haas 49 catches for 651 receiving yards and four touchdowns across two seasons. He looks at Hampton as someone who can be on his level in terms of routes.

Who are the Alabama WRs that are challenging Kobe Prentice for title of best route runner?

Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton and Caleb Odom are doing it.

“Bubba Hampton is a route runner. He’s going to be really good. Caleb has smooth routes too.”@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/9tq5sA8YIq

— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 27, 2024

"Bubba, Bubba Hampton, that guy is a route runner," Prentice said Tuesday after practice. "He is going to be really good."

Hampton is becoming another player for Alabama fans to watch in the upcoming A-Day Game.

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! https://tdalabamamag.com/subscription-plan-3/&source=gmail&ust=1553653762990000&usg=AFQjCNGXj_usIpB2PdyPD8cPjtGzQfNzN A">SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.