Alabama lands commitment from elite 2023 WR Jalen Hale
Alabama already entered the week with the No. 1 recruiting class for 2023. Now, it has added a second blue-chip commitment within the last two days to further tighten its grip on the top spot. On Wednesday, Longview (Tex.) standout receiver Jalen Hale committed to the Crimson Tide over the Texas Longhorns.
The four-star prospect now joins what is shaping up to be another impressive haul of pass-catchers. First, it was four-star Cole Adams out of Owasso (Okla.) back in late June. Then, top JUCO receiver Malik Benson joined the Crimson Tide less than a week later. Now, Hale is joining the fold.
According to the 2023 On3 Consensus, Hale currently ranks as the No. 53 player nationally, the No. 10 wide receiver and the No. 10 player from the state of Texas. Earlier this month, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound receiver listed Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Texas A&M as his four finalists, but most expected a decision would either come down to the Tide or the Longhorns.
Not a member of BamaInsider? Join today and get one year of premium access for just $1!
Ultimately, Nick Saban ended up with his second victory over Steve Sarkisian this month.
“You know what they do with receivers,” Hale said earlier this month of why Alabama was included in his final group. “The coaches and the relationships they’ve built with me. Also, how they treat me… To me, I look at Bama as ‘Receiver U.’”
It’s tough to argue against Hale’s logic there.
We’ve seen what Alabama has been able to do at that position, especially over the last few years. In the last three draft classes alone, the Crimson Tide have sent six different wide receivers to the NFL. All six were top-44 selections with five of the six going in the top 15. How many other schools can say that?
Really, that success is why so many elite pass-catchers want to play in Alabama’s offense.
The quarterback play has been fantastic during that span with two first-round picks (Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones) and a second-round selection (Jalen Hurts). Plus, current starter Bryce Young is likely to add another Day 1 player at that spot. Not only that, but the offense has proven that it can feature more than just one or two receivers at a time.
Hale is now commitment No. 23 for the Crimson Tide’s 2023 recruiting class. That group consists of 13 players on offense, nine on defense and one specialist in blue-chip kicker Conor Talty out of St. Rita High School in Chicago.
Alabama continues to hold strong with its top class, too. Georgia ranks No. 2 with Ohio State, Texas and Notre Dame all rounding out the top 5. However, the gap between the Tide and Bulldogs is fairly significant, especially after the recent commitments from Hale and four-star defensive lineman Jordan Renaud.
More Jalen Hale coverage!
Alabama Commitment Analysis: What Jalen Hale means for the Crimson Tide
Inside look into how Alabama landed Texas-based WR Jalen Hale
Longview WRs coach: Alabama is getting a “phenomenal” player in Jalen Hale
Join BamaInsider today!
Have you subscribed to BamaInsider? You can sign up now for only $1.00 (limited-time), which will include a year-long subscription! Get access to premium articles covering Alabama athletics, recruiting content and join thousands of Crimson Tide fans on the Talk of Champions message board! CLICK HERE!
