Tyler Booker admits he was initially 'put off by 'Bama' in recruitment

It’s no surprise Tyler Booker was one of the more sought-after recruits in the country. He was a five-star prospect per the On3 Industry Rankings and attended IMG Academy. Every big-name school was after the offensive lineman but in the end, Alabama got Booker to sign his National Letter of Intent with them.

Booker did not instantly fall in love with the Crimson Tide, though. At first, he was “put off” by Alabama because they hopped in his recruitment later than others. Back when players could only take five official visits, Alabama was not going to receive one from Booker.

“I kind of was put off by Bama first,” Booker said in an interview with Barstool’s Bussin’ With The Boys. “Just because they started recruiting me a little later. I always got the simple graphics they send everybody, always got the camp invites. But I was like ‘Okay, I have better relationships with other schools.’

“But when it was time to set up my official visits, Coach (Robert) Gillespie was like ‘Hey, you coming to visit us?’ In my head, I’m like ‘No, I’m not going to visit Alabama. I’m going to go somewhere else.'”

Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon were where Booker had a ton of solid relationships. Penn State was supposed to be the fifth official visit, technically being a school closer to home since Booker is originally from New Haven, CT.

However, in the interview, Booker reveals he was about to visit Penn State but COVID-19 restrictions shut down the entire recruiting world. And then once the Alabama offer came through, coaches in Happy Valley knew where the recruitment was heading.

Taking the official visit in the summer of 2021 then sealed the deal, being the last Booker went on before committing on July 16.

“I decided to make [Alabama] my last OV and I feel like that worked out perfectly,” Booker said. “Because I was able to compare all the other schools to the standard, which was Alabama. And nothing else compared.”

The move has paid off for Booker, who is entering his third season with Alabama. He was a freshman All-American in 2022 and then was a starter at guard last season, playing alongside Kadyn Proctor on the left side of the offensive line.

Just one more season is expected before heading off to the NFL. Booker is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, living up to his five-star recruiting expectations.