Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football program started heating up on the recruiting trail this past weekend with the commitment of five-star quarterback Elijah Haven.
That momentum appears to be carrying over as now DeBoer and the Tide are reportedly surging for a highly touted defensive prospect in the class of 2027, according to BamaOnline.
Kenneth Simon, a four-star linebacker from Tennessee, is closing in on a decision, and Alabama appears to be the team to beat.
Alabama Building Serious Momentum with Kenneth Simon
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound standout from Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has been carefully evaluating his options, but recent developments suggest Alabama is firmly in the driver’s seat.
Simon has taken multiple visits this spring, including trips to Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. While the Volunteers and Bulldogs have remained heavily involved, Alabama’s strong in-person presence is beginning to separate the Tide from the pack.
His latest visit to Tuscaloosa on April 16 for Alabama’s final spring practice may have been the turning point.
Chuck Morrell’s Impact Could Seal the Deal
A major factor in Alabama’s surge has been linebackers coach Chuck Morrell, who has built a strong and genuine relationship with Simon throughout the recruiting process.
Simon came away impressed not only with Morrell’s coaching style but also with the overall culture inside Alabama’s linebacker room.
“Really just the relationship that he has with the guys in the room, and how everyone’s able to learn from him,” Simon said after his visit.
“The culture in the room… everyone was super welcoming. I like that about them a lot.”
That kind of connection is often what separates finalists in tight recruiting battles, and Alabama is capitalizing on that.
Kenneth Simon’s Father Played for SEC Rival
As if Simon needed any added pressure, his father is a former linebacker for one of Alabama’s biggest SEC rivals, the Tennessee Volunteers.
Kevin Simon was a two-time All-SEC linebacker for Phillip Fulmer and played for the Vols from 2002 to 2005.
Those connections have kept Tennessee firmly in the mix, especially as head coach Josh Heupel continues to prioritize Simon as a top in-state target.
When Will Kenneth Simon Commit?
Simon has previously indicated he would like to make his commitment before taking official visits, which puts his timeline squarely within the next few weeks. While no exact date has been announced, the decision could come sooner rather than later.
Expert Predictions Have Alabama Trending for Simon
Currently, recruiting experts are beginning to roll out their predictions for Simon, and Alabama is the overwhelming favourite.
On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine currently gives the Crimson Tide a 90.2% chance of landing his commitment.
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