Four-star DL flips from Auburn to Alabama

Antonio Coleman, four-star defensive lineman from Saraland (Ala.) High School, has pulled off another surprise flip. Coleman flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn on December 22. He decided to run it back with a flip from the Tigers, and a return to the Crimson Tide’s ’25 class, which he announced on Saturday.

*** BOL Commitment Nugget on Antonio Coleman

Coleman took an unofficial visit to Alabama for Junior Day on February 3. It was the first time returning to the campus since his flip to the in-state SEC rival. It wasn’t the first time meeting with the new coaching staff, however, as Coach Kalen DeBoer visited Saraland in January. New defensive coordinator Kane Wommack also visited the school multiple times along with defensive line coach, Freddie Roach.

There was another significant target at Coleman’s school- Ryan Williams. The five-star wide receiver re-committed to Alabama after de-committing shortly after Nick Saban announced his retirement. These were different situations. Coleman departed from the Tide’s class prior to the Rose Bowl game against Michigan. 

Coach DeBoer has impressed on the recruiting trail, once the dust settled after his arrival. More than 90-percent of the ’24 class (along with previous transfers) remained intact with their decision to stay at Alabama. Williams re-committed, Alabama also signed the No. 1 recruit in Arizona, Noah Carter, added three transfers from Washington and also former Michigan safety Keon Sabb.

Coleman flipping back to Alabama is the first recruiting win in the ’25 class for Coach DeBoer. He’s an in-state player at a premium position. It’s also a big win in the Mobile-area where Coach DeBoer spent his first day on the recruiting trail for the University of Alabama.

“He’s definitely a straightforward guy,” Coleman told BOL regarding Coach DeBoer after his visit to Alabama earlier this month. “He wants to win. His message to me was that they want me. If I go up there, I’m definitely going to have to work. 

“I could be a big part of their program. That means a lot. I feel like that boosts my value as a character, as a player. Encourages me to work harder to maintain and get better. He’s (DeBoer) a great overall coach to me. I feel like that probably have a good shot at winning the natty this year.”

It has always “been a dream” of Coleman’s to play for Alabama. That’s why many considered it a major surprise when he flipped to the Tigers prior to Christmas. The relationships with the new and old staff played a major role. He knew Coach Wommack, who was previously the head coach at South Alabama, and the connection with Coach Roach supersedes most.

“It’s like father and son. That’s my dog,” Coleman said of Roach earlier this month. “Like I said, the message was, ‘We want you.’ Shot it straight with me. Told me where I would play. Told me the things I could do to help the program. He always keeps it real. That’s what I like about him.”

The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder defender had 74 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and six sacks during his junior season-WATCH HIGHLIGHTS.  

Coleman is one of three current commitments for Alabama in the ’25 class. He joins Anthony Rogers, four-star running back from Carver High School in Montgomery (recently transferred from IMG Academy) and Myles Johnson, four-star linebacker from T.R. Miller High School in Brewton, Ala.

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