Alabama loses commitment from 4-star Texas TE

Alabama just signed a No. 1 2017 class, arguably its best ever under Nick Saban, but the 2018 recruiting cycle starts off with some bad news.

Four-star TE Malcolm Epps announced at the “The Opening Regional Houston” that he has backed off his pledge to the Crimson Tide.

Four-star 2018 TE Malcolm Epps has decommitted from #Alabama. @TideSports

— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) February 4, 2017

Epps, who measures 6-foot-6, 214 pounds, committed to Alabama Feb. 27, 2016. His recruiter was former UA wide receivers coach Billy Napier, who recently left to become the offensive coordinator at Arizona State.

The Dekaney (Houston) product has eight offers so far, including LSU and Texas A&M. He is rated the No. 6 tight end, No. 13 Texas prospect and No. 126 overall recruit on the 247Sports Composite.

It’s not all bad news for the Tide, however, as Epps still calls Alabama his No. 1 school.

Fab 55 member Malcolm Epps says he's opened his recruitment but Alabama remains his No. 1 school.

— Mike Craven (@CravenMike) February 4, 2017

Epps’ highlights can be viewed below: