Alabama a top-three school for 2025 DL target
Nick Saban and his staff at Alabama have their sights set on another coveted pass rusher out of the Peach State.
London Merritt, a product of Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy, has visited Bama three times this year since receiving an offer on Jan. 18. His most recent trip came on July 25 for the program’s final camp of the summer.
“It was great. The camp was intense,” Merritt told BamaOnLine. “We worked out for a long period of time. Probably one of the most intense camps I’ve been to this summer. Got some nice teaching points from the coaches.”
The top-70 overall 2025 prospect is being recruited by Alabama at the Jack position. Last week, he worked primarily with the defensive line and position coach Freddie Roach. BOL reported that Merritt “turned some heads” with his camp performance.
Merritt also had another one-on-one conversation with head coach Nick Saban.
“He talked about a lot of things he likes about me,” Merritt said of his time with Saban. “I have an opportunity to go to that school and play for him. He was talking about my speed off the edge, my lateral movement, and my versatility.”
While talking with Bama’s staff, he was informed about Alabama’s lack of commitments on his side of the ball in the 2025 class.
“I learned about my class and that there are no Alabama commits on defense in my class,” Merritt said. “That sparks my intrigue about them.”
On May 30, Merritt unveiled his top 12 list, with the Tide unsurprisingly making the cut. Alabama and a couple of other programs have put a little distance between themselves and the rest of the pack.
“They’re in the top three right now,” said Merritt, who also put Clemson and Ohio State in that group. “Obviously, Coach Saban. He’s the greatest coach of all time. The development, the history of Alabama, and their production of players into the NFL. They also have a great education program.”
Click HERE to watch Merritt’s sophomore season highlights.
London Merritt’s father also thinks highly of Alabama
On the topic of Alabama’s development for the NFL, Merritt had high praise for their track record under Saban. Merritt has even drawn comparisons from Saban to a former Bama great.
“It’s phenomenal,” Merritt said. “I think the first time I talked with Coach Saban, he compared me to Will Anderson. That comparison means a lot, knowing that he went as the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. If I go there and perform, I should be in a good spot.”
Merritt’s father, Thomas, accompanied him on the Alabama junior day visit in January, April’s A-Day Game, and this most recent trip to Tuscaloosa.
The Tide are pressing all the right buttons for both Merritt and his dad to this point.
“My dad mainly goes with me on my visits, so whenever I’m building good relationships with the coaches, they’re building it with my dad,” Merritt said. “He really likes Alabama a lot. I think they’re his favorite out of all the schools right now. He really likes them a lot.”
A commitment isn’t likely to come in 2023, but Merritt has a time frame in mind for his decision.
“I might make my decision next year, maybe in February,” Merritt said. “I’m looking for a relationship with my position coach and the head coach. Also, playing time and education.”
Per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama holds the early edge in Merritt’s recruitment. The RPM currently gives the Crimson Tide a 22.1 percent chance of landing Merritt.
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