One of the top uncommitted defensive backs in the 2023 recruiting class has made his college decision. Jahlil Hurley, a five-star cornerback from Florence (Alabama) High School, announced his commitment to Alabama on Twitter on Tuesday evening. He chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Georgia, Michigan and Texas A&M.
Hurley actually committed to coach Nick Saban last month, but didn't reveal his choice until Tuesday.
"I swear I'm not lying … he cracked the biggest smile," Hurley told 247Sports about Saban's reaction. "And then when I walked out of his office he was like, 'I'm depending on you.' I kid you not."
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, Hurley boasts impressive speed and length to be a major contributor in college football. The industry standard 247Sports Composite rankings rates Hurley the No. 24 player in the nation and a consensus five-star recruit.
Cooper Petanga, national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, provided this scouting report on the newest member of the Alabama recruiting class.
"Possesses growth potential to add additional weight to his frame," wrote Petagna, "Three-phase athlete, displays good athleticism in every facet of the game. Fluid mover, shows the ability to transition smoothly in and out of his back pedal. Displays above average short area quickness and change of direction ability to get in and out of breaks. Shows the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. Flashes some natural press man ability and ability to play in zone coverage or the deep hash at the safety position."
Hurley is only the second player to commit to Saban and the Crimson Tide during the 2023 recruiting cycle. He will provide an immediate recruiting spark to a program that has fielded top-two recruiting classes in 11 of the last 12 seasons. The 2023 class in the state of Alabama ranks among the most talented in recent memory. The state has 19 players rated as blue-chip recruits, including an absurd five players listed as composite five-stars. The state has not produced even four five-star recruits since 2014.
