Tysir Young Chooses Alabama: Crimson Tide Lands Top Linebacker in 2028 Class
Tuscaloosa, AL – The Alabama Crimson Tide secured a cornerstone commitment for their 2028 recruiting class on Sunday, as four-star linebacker Tysir Young announced his pledge to Kalen DeBoer’s program. Young, the nation’s No. 7 linebacker, chose Alabama over a formidable list of suitors, reinforcing the Crimson Tide’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail in the post-Nick Saban era.
Young, a standout from Middletown, Delaware, is rated the No. 1 player in his home state and a top-15 edge rusher nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings . His announcement marks a significant addition to a class that is quickly gaining momentum as one of the nation’s best.
A Recruiting Battle Won
The decision was a significant victory for Alabama’s coaching staff, who had been pursuing Young since extending an offer in March. Young chose the Crimson Tide over a stacked list of finalists that included national powerhouses like Georgia, Miami, Oregon, Ohio State, and Rutgers . The depth of his recruitment highlights his status as a blue-chip prospect, with over 20 offers to his name .
“For me, it came down to relationships,” Young explained regarding his decision. The connection with linebackers coach Chuck Morrell proved to be the deciding factor. “Coach Chuck stayed in contact with me every few days. We always had great conversations. He made me feel like I was a top priority. He checked on me mentally, checked on my family and it wasn’t just football. I could tell he had a great plan for me” .
Young revealed that he initially planned to delay his commitment until later in the recruiting cycle, but the Alabama visit and the intensity of the coaching staff’s pursuit convinced him that he had found his home . He admitted he wasn’t influenced by flashy facilities or stadiums. “I always wanted to make sure I had a great relationship with my coaches… I have that with Alabama” .
The “Jihaad Campbell” Comparison
A key element in Alabama’s successful pitch was the comparison drawn between Young’s playing style and that of former Crimson Tide standout Jihaad Campbell. Campbell, a recent first-round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles, thrived under Alabama’s defensive system .
“Coach Chuck talked to me a lot about Jihaad Campbell because he thinks our games compare,” Young revealed . This comparison reassured Young that Alabama could develop his specific skill set into a professional-level career. “Their development was another big thing for me,” he added, acknowledging Alabama’s consistent track record of producing NFL linebackers .
An Intriguing Player Profile
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Young possesses the physical tools to be a versatile and disruptive force . His junior season stats are a testament to his playmaking ability: 85.5 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss (TFLs), and two forced fumbles . He was also a key contributor on the offensive side of the ball, playing tight end and recording 16 receptions for 264 yards and four touchdowns, helping lead Middletown High School to a state championship .
His game is characterized by an explosive first step and a relentless motor. “As an OLB I can play in coverage, stop the run, and also rush the passer. I play in a defense that allows me to do all three,” Young has previously stated . This versatility makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators and a perfect fit for Alabama’s defensive schemes.
Building a Top-Tier 2028 Class
Young is the seventh member of Alabama’s 2028 recruiting class . He joins a group that already features in-state quarterback Kingston Preyear, along with offensive lineman Anthony Blalock Jr. and cornerback Braylen Gibbs . This core group has Alabama ranked near the top of the early recruiting rankings, specifically No. 2 nationally according to 247Sports .
This commitment serves as a powerful statement that Alabama’s recruiting infrastructure has not wavered following the transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer . By securing Young from Delaware, the program has demonstrated its ability to attract elite talent from across the nation . The message is clear: Alabama remains a national brand that competes for and wins the country’s top prospects.
“I think overall the plan that Coach Chuck could lay out was aligned with what me and my family had in mind,” Young said. “The history of the program developing and producing defensive talent at the highest level stood out” .
What Young Brings to Tuscaloosa
Young’s commitment cements an elite talent pipeline from the Mid-Atlantic region to Tuscaloosa. His ability to play both off-the-ball linebacker and as a pass-rushing specialist will allow defensive coordinator Kane Wommack to deploy him in a variety of situations, particularly on third downs . His athleticism and length are expected to provide an immediate boost to the Tide’s pass rush in future seasons.
As he continues to mature physically, his ceiling is considered extremely high. The coaching staff views him as a potential successor to the lineage of great Alabama linebackers who have made their mark in the SEC and gone on to the NFL. “The consistency of the coaching staff, the opportunity to play in the SEC, and the plan that is laid out for me to be successful made it the right fit,” Young concluded .
