Alabama lands in-state 4-star OL Ryqueze McElderry

On3 imageby:Chad Simmons07/04/22

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Anniston (Ala.) offensive lineman committed Ryqueze McElderry to Georgia on November 30. Nine days prior to committing to the Bulldogs, Alabama extended an offer to the 6-foot-4, 340-pound four-star.

Some thought he may hold on his commitment. He chose not to, and went through with his commitment to Georgia. Alabama never went away.

McElderry continue to visit Tuscaloosa. Alabama was his dream school growing up. Then, when Nick Saban hired Eric Wolford to coach the offensive line, things got a little more interesting.

“I have been thinking about flipping my commitment to Alabama since Coach Wolford got there,” McElderry told On3. “When he was coaching at South Carolina, they were the first SEC school to offer. me. Kentucky when in my top five when I committed to Georgia because of him.

“Coach Wolford is my dog. He is literally my guy. I can go to him about anything. We talk about football, technique, and things like that, but we also talk about life. He is always there for me and he has my back.

“Coach Wolford had a big influence on decision to change to Alabama. He is a coach I love.”

McElderry had thoughts about this decision running though his mind all spring. He decided to take a few visits, give it a little more time, but he knew this was coming.

“I knew 100% after taking some official visits. Being at Alabama so many times, knowing what it is like there, and having a chance to play for coach Wolford at my dream school, this has been on my mind for a while.

“Alabama is the best move for me and that has been on my mind for a while. Georgia is a great school, and I love the coaches there too, but I know I need to be at Alabama.”

McElderry is living out a dream

Since he can remember, he has been cheering for the Crimson Tide. McElderry has called Alabama his dream school since he emerged as a recruit a couple of years ago.

The way this is playing out couldn’t be any better.

“I was in love with Alabama before all of this recruiting stuff started for me,” McElderry said. “It is the school I have watched all my life. I can’t even explain what I am feeling. To go to Alabama is like a dream coming true.”

The No. 18 prospect in the state will take his official visit during the season. He has been in Tuscaloosa so many times that there is nothing left for him to see.

“I have that home feeling at Alabama. I am comfortable there. My connection with players is great, I have a strong relationship with coach Saban, and then coach Wolford is there too.

“That feeling at Alabama is strong for me.”

Now McElderry will turn his focus to his senior season. Recruiting is officially over the the physical interior offensive lineman and he can’t wait for his opportunity he has in front of him.

“Alabama is an elite program and it starts at the top with coach Saban. He surrounds himself with great coaches, great people, and great players. The whole foundation at Alabama makes it elite. Everyone there has the same goal, to be on top.”