2026 OL out of Georgia opens up about junior day visit, reacts to Alabama offer

For the third time since the start of November, Class of 2026 offensive lineman Chris Booker made his way back to the University of Alabama.

Booker, who plays for Hapeville High School in Atlanta, Georgia, visited Tuscaloosa in November for the Mercer (Nov. 16) and Auburn (Nov. 30) games. He returned on Saturday for the Tide’s first junior day event of the year.

“It was a lot more individualized because there wasn’t a football game going on. I got to talk with and meet a lot of people,” Booker told BamaOnLine. “We got to see the stadium and go to a suite in the stadium. It was pretty cool… it’s a really good program. They have their standards high.”

While on his visit, Booker played cornhole, ate lunch, went to Saban Field, and watched Bama’s basketball game versus Georgia. Accompanied by his mother, Booker says that she enjoyed the visit and learning about the academic side of the school.

They also had an opportunity to hear from the current players during a panel.

“They gave us things that they had to overcome,” Booker said. “Made us feel relatable to their situations, and help us be prepared for when it’s our time. They said it was a good brotherhood, it’s a family, and you have all the resources you need.”

And what was Booker’s highlight of his experience at Alabama on Saturday?

“Talking with Coach DeBoer,” Booker replied. “It was really cool because that was my first time talking to a head coach at a football program. He was just trying to make sure we felt welcomed and had a good time. He’s a good head coach. Down to earth. Really welcoming.”

While meeting Kalen DeBoer was the highlight of the junior day, a big moment in his recruitment came in the form of an offer from Bama. Offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic informed him of the good news prior to his departure.

“I was happy to get it. It was in the making for a while. It wasn’t my first time up there; I’ve been in touch with all the coaches and all that,” Booker said. “Coach Kap delivered the offer. We already talked about how they like how I play, my aggressiveness, and my athleticism.”

Both Kapilovic and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson visited Booker’s school last month, so there’s plenty of familiarity here.

Booker, who communicates with Kapilovic about once a week, shared his thoughts on Bama’s o-line coach.

“He’s a good coach,” Booker said of Kapilovic. “I like the way he teaches. Like the way he shows love to his guys and makes them feel welcomed. He makes it seem more like a home, like a family.”

The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder has received offers from the likes of Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Wake Forest to this point.

It’s early on, but Bama is a school he’ll be considering moving forward.

“I am very interested in Alabama, but my recruitment is still open. Trying to see who comes in,” Booker said. “The coaches show love, the environment is nice, and I like the standard. They’re a winning program. I just like that they have a standard of winning.”

At this juncture, the only visit after that dead period that Booker has scheduled is to USF from April 10-11.

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