Kalen DeBoer just pulled off a major recruiting coup that has everyone talking. Alabama just landed an elite recruit, a top-tier player from Atlanta, right from under Georgia’s nose. This move is especially sweet for the Crimson Tide, given their heated rivalry with Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. And the cherry on top? It couldn’t have come at a better time because lately, Alabama is pressed down by Paul Finebaum who’s not shying away from blasting the SEC powerhouse with grim speculation. 

Alabama managed to snag 3-star IOL Chris Booker in their latest recruitment race, as reported by Hayes Fawcett on Instagram on February 21 — “The 6’4, 285 IOL from Atlanta, GA chose the Crimson Tide over Kentucky and USF.” The coveted 2026 prospect is excited about his future role at Tuscaloosa and it’s evident from his statement: “I’m home… Roll Tide!🐘” What a leg up for Kalen DeBoer!

The latest recruitment win might just be the response Alabama needs. Getting a top prospect like Chris Booker from Georgia’s backyard not only strengthens the future of the Tide’s offensive line but also sends a message to critics and rivals alike. The Hapeville Charter joins CB Zyan Gibson as the second commit to join Kalen DeBoer’s squad in the class of 2026. 

It’s mostly the recruiting effort of Alabama O-line coach Chris Kapilovic who played a major role in Booker’s pursuit. After his Junior Day visit on February 1, Kapilovic extended an offer one day later. But their bond goes further than the day he was offered as the coach visited him even in January. “He knows how to talk to people, like he’s a pretty cool guy,” Booker said. “So he’s not just strictly football. He doesn’t try too hard to be a football coach. It comes kind of naturally. He has the experience. He has the players he coached and that’s what makes him a good coach. He’s experienced. He has those players. He knows how to teach what he’s teaching.” 

The interest had always been mutual as the freshly committed Crimson Tide told Bama247, “It is surreal. It’s a dream I worked for and got it done.” Booker will be back on campus for a couple of spring visits on March 22 and April 8 before an official visit from May 30 to June 1. Perhaps, this win can give their critic something to ponder about after a scathing perspective. 

Paul Finebaum’s hope in Alabama is diminishing

Alabama’s always under the pressure of performing like a top-tier CFB powerhouse. That’s what Nick Saban turned the program into with six national championships before he handed the reins to Kalen DeBoer. Unfortunately, the new HC’s debut wasn’t what fans expected as the Crimson Tide fell 9-4, failing to clinch a playoff spot. This is why there’s an urgency that Bama should flip the narrative this season by making it to the playoffs. 

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum is one of the strongest voices urging this necessity. Still, he feels that Alabama is falling short of their former glory. In his conversation on On3, he bluntly fired, “The perception right now of Alabama football is diminished.” He has reason to feel disillusioned. For the first time since 2007, Alabama failed to reach a 10-win season. But wait, even the GOAT Saban won only seven games in his first year in Tuscaloosa. Kalen DeBoer won nine games. Can he emulate his predecessor’s subsequent achievements? 

Alabama is stocking up. They’ve rounded up the top 3 recruiting class in 2025 with 21 commits out of which are three 5-star players – CB Na’eem Offord, DL Malik Autry, and edge Jared Smith. And they’re already building for the future with their second commitment from Chris Booker. Can Kalen DeBoer rise above grim speculation to show that he’s getting the hang of leading an SEC powerhouse?