In-state DL Hunter Osborne joins forces with Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide have added even more talent to the top-ranked class in the 2023 cycle. After adding eight commitments in July, Nick Saban’s staff continued their momentum into the following month.
To begin August, in-state defensive lineman Hunter Osborne has announced his verbal commitment to Alabama. Osborne chose the Crimson Tide over a final group that featured Clemson, Tennessee, and Texas.
As mentioned above, Alabama entered this month with the No. 1 class on the 2023 Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings. One of the reasons why they’re at the top is that the Crimson Tide are enjoying success with recruiting in-state targets.
Despite missing out on Peter Woods, Alabama now holds commitments from six of the top 18 prospects in the state. Of their 17 total commitments, four are five-star recruits (most by any team in this cycle thus far) and eight of them are labeled as four-stars.
Osborne becomes the first pure defensive lineman to join the Crimson Tide’s class; Yhonzae Pierre, who committed in April, will take on JACK position responsibilities. Some additional targets along the d-line for Alabama are Edric Hill, James Smith, Jordan Renaud, Kelby Collins, and Woods.
Per the 2023 On3 Consensus, Osborne is the No. 113 overall recruit in the country. He’s also labeled as the No. 12 defensive lineman and the eleventh-ranked prospect in Alabama.
Scouting Profile on new Alabama commitment Hunter Osborne
“Powerful, edge-setting defensive end who could grow into an interior defensive lineman down the line,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote. “Measured at over 6-foot-3, 250 pounds prior to his senior season. Has good length for the position with a 6-foot-8.5 wing-span. Plays defensive end for one of the better talent-producing high school programs in Alabama. A naturally strong athlete who wins with power. Takes on and sheds blocks to make plays in the backfield.
“Shows the ability to beat double teams with a straight-line power rush,” Power continued. “Totaled 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a junior. More of a power rusher and run defender than a speed pass rusher at this time. Can improve his first-step quickness and pass rush technique. Current skill set and body type point to his highest upside being as a 3-4 defensive end or potentially an interior defensive lineman, pending his ultimate size.”
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