A former University of Alabama player in Nick Saban's first recruiting class is now a head coach.

Nick Gentry, a native of Prattville, Ala., was a defensive tackle for the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2011. 

RELATED: Former Alabama DL named high school head coach

He played on two BCS National Championship teams (2009, 2011) and a Southeastern Conference Championship squad in 2009.

Gentry was one of the underrated stars on Alabama's 2011 defense that led college football in all major categories. He collected 23 tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and four quarterback hurries. Gentry worked himself up the high school coaching ranks, but now he's earned an opportunity to be a head coach at Pell City (Ala.) High School. Rush Propst, a legendary high school coach, took the position at Pell City in 2023, but he announced his decision to step down. Gentry replaces him as head coach, and his former teammates at Alabama reacted to the news on social media. Gentry is ready to become a star in the coaching ranks.

Great hire! Congrats brother @nickbgentry https://t.co/PfOreepc8b

— Michael Nysewander (@NYSEandeasy) May 4, 2024

Now that is BIG TIME!!!! Congrats @nickbgentry !!! #BornLeader https://t.co/ZeG6ChnohT

— Phillip Sims (@coachphilsims1) May 4, 2024

Let’s Go bro @nickbgentry https://t.co/GuAGPUdVGO

— Marquis Maze (@Mazeboy4) May 4, 2024

🔥

— Matt Caddell (@MCaddell11) May 4, 2024

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