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Alabama has been a consistent force in college football recruiting throughout the years. Even without Nick Saban, Kalen DeBoer is looking to keep that momentum going.
The Crimson Tide landed a huge commitment for the 2026 class on Thursday with the addition of in-state defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland. Per the 247Sports Composite ranking, Cleveland is ranked as the No. 7 defensive lineman in the country, the No. 7 prospect out of Alabama, and the No. 95 prospect in the country.
BREAKING: Four-Star DL Vodney Cleveland (2026) has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 205 DL from Birmingham, AL chose the Crimson Tide over Tennessee, Auburn, & Miami
“LET ALL NAYSAYERS KNOW”https://t.co/ByZF7YRc8O pic.twitter.com/dbUsclA9E3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 31, 2024
Cleveland chose the Tide over Tennessee, Auburn, and Miami, among others.
“LET ALL NAYSAYERS KNOW,” said the prospect, referring to a phrase made popular by Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. Milroe and former Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold popularized the mantra as the Tide advanced to the College Football Playoff in 2023.
The talented athlete stars for Parker High School in Birmingham, AL. Already standing at 6-foot-3, and weighing in at 305 pounds, Cleveland looks to be a force on the interior in the years to come.
Several SEC schools offered Cleveland, including Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. Miami, USC, Oregon, and Michigan are other huge brands that offered the talented DL.
Cleveland is the 2nd player to commit to Alabama in the 2026 class, joining 4-star cornerback Dorian Barney. The class ranks No. 20 in the national rankings so far.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
