Mississippi State TE commitment talks latest offer from Alabama

Jay Lindsey, three-star tight end from Patrician Academy in Butler, Alabama, had a day he will not soon forget. He committed to Mississippi State in April and has worked out at Alabama’s football camp. He was invited to Coach Nick Saban’s office after the performance, and now has an opportunity to play for his dream school.

“I went up there for a visit earlier this year, and didn’t receive an offer,” Lindsey said. “Coach Saban wanted me to come to camp. It’s hard to get an evaluation on me with the competition we play against (AISA-AA). I went to the camp on Wednesday, and they took me upstairs to meet with Coach Saban after.

“He told me that I ran good routes, and I blocked well. Coach Saban said this was no disrespect, but they couldn’t offer me based on just film. I was a man amongst boys out there. They wanted me to camp and get an evaluation on me.”

Lindsey plays in a run-oriented offense where he might might receive one to two targets in each game. Alabama tight ends coach Joe Cox and area recruiter Freddie Roach remained in contact with Lindsey throughout the year. There was interest in the in-state player who measures 6-foot-4, 235-pounds and clocked a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash this month.

“I love them,” Lindsey said regarding the Tide’s assistant coaches. “They are really great and have taken me in. I talk to Coach Roach more since he is my area recruiter. He is a really good dude. I like both of them.”

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Life-long Alabama fan

Jay Lindsey during unofficial visit to Alabama.

The offer extended by Coach Saban was a surreal moment. He may not have been aware of his advanced skills at the position without attending a few camps after committing to the Bulldogs.

“I found out this summer that I can catch the football a little bit,” Lindsey said. “I have really enjoyed working with the coaches. It’s good to have something activating in me besides just blocking.

“The offer from Alabama is a dream come true. I have been watching Alabama since I was a little kid. I grew up an Alabama fan. It’s really cool to get an offer from them.”

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Lindsey doesn’t consider himself on ‘flip watch’ despite the offer from Alabama. His commitment to Mississippi State remains firm. He has been to Starkville twice, and expects to return a few times before the season.

“I went up there for a practice and spent another day there and just fell in love,” Lindsey said regarding his commitment to the Bulldogs. ”I fell in love with the coaches, the program and the facilities. I really like Starkville overall.

“I still consider myself really solid with my commitment. I’ve also been talking to Ole Miss. Troy keeps in touch. I am just not really considering going somewhere else right now. I am solid with Mississippi State.”

A return visit to Alabama this summer is a “possibility” for Lindsey. He will see an increase in attention from the Tide as it looks to add two tight ends in the 2024 class.

“I just really like overall program,” he said on his interest in Alabama. “What is there not to like? They win. My grandparents were always diehard Alabama fans. Alabama was always the school we watched when I was younger.”

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