SEC commit eyeing fall official visit to Alabama

With 15 commits in the fold in their 2024 class, one of the areas of focus for Alabama moving forward is the defensive line. The Crimson Tide already hold commitments from a pair of in-state targets in the position group: Jeremiah Beaman and Isaia Faga.

Five-star Eddrick Houston headlines the group of targets, though another recruit on their radar is Dealyn Evans. Evans committed to Texas A&M back on July 31, 2022, but was the recipient of a Bama offer last December. He’s visited Tuscaloosa one time for their first junior day of 2023. A return visit was considered for this week, though those plans did not materialize.

Now, Evans has a date in mind for his official visit to Alabama.

“Right now, it’s the Texas game [on Sept.9]. But I may change it, though,” Evans told BamaOnLine. “It isn’t 100 percent set up. It’s like 50 percent… I just want to get around Coach [Freddie] Roach and hang out with him. Also, watching the game, too.

“First time I went down there, I loved it,” Evans added. “Loved all the coaches. Loved the staff and the people there. I had a good time.”

In March, Evans went on record saying that the Tide are under Texas A&M in his recruitment. Now, Florida is the school that is pushing the hardest on his commitment to the Aggies. Evans, the No. 66 overall prospect in the 2024 class, says Bama is definitely still in contention for him.

“I’d probably say they’re under Florida as of right now,” Evans said of Alabama. “All my boys are down there. Jordan Renaud and Jalen Hale. I’ve got a couple of more. Also, it’s Bama at the end of the day. You can’t go wrong with it.”

On the topic of Hale and Renaud, the fellow East Texas products are pushing for Evans to reconsider his decision.

“I also talk with them a little bit,” Evans said. “They’re just telling me, ‘Come be great. Texas A&M ain’t this or that.’ Things like that.”

Pair of Alabama coaches remain in frequent contact with Evans

Defensive line coach Freddie Roach and the staff assembled one of the best d-line classes in the 2023 cycle. That group featured the No. 1 player at the position group — James Smith — as well as blue-chip prospects Edric Hill, Hunter Osborne, and Jordan Renaud.

Roach is remaining active in Alabama’s pursuit of Evans.

“It’s been every other day. He’s been recruiting me hard for a little bit,” Evans said of Roach. “He’s telling me to come be developed. Also, come be great, come set the standard, and things of that nature.”

Evans, the No. 10 defensive lineman in this class, explained what Roach likes the most about his game.

“My versatility,” Evans said. “I’m not as good as I can be right now. I’m kind of raw. Once I get coached and developed, I’ll be something else.”

With Evans residing in Longview (Tx.), it’s not a surprise to hear that Holmon Wiggins is involved in this recruitment. It’s been a well-rounded effort by Wiggins to this point.

“Coach Wiggins, that’s my guy right there,” Evans said. “It’s pretty strong with him. He’s seen me multiple times at the school. So, we’re pretty tight. He keeps in touch with my mom and also my d-line coach. Just making sure everything is well.”

Evans also noted that he spoke with head coach Nick Saban “not too long ago.” Saban’s main message to him revolved around getting Evans back on campus soon.

When asked about the Aggies, Evans told BamaOnLine that he’s still solid in his pledge, but it won’t be impossible for a school to flip him. He is slated to return to College Station this weekend for their pool party. His relationship with position coach Elijah Robinson is a factor in Evans’ continued commitment to Texas A&M.

“Really just the relationship with the d-line coach that I have, for the most part,” Evans said. “We’re tight. We’ve been tight for about a year now. Text every day, talk every day. It’s constant communication.”

TCU is also in the mix for Evans, who told On3’s Sam Spiegelman that a final decision won’t be made until Signing Day.

Alabama fans, also be sure to join the discussion about Dealyn Evans on the The BOL Round Table. There’s always a lot of great team, recruiting, and off-topic conversations going on. So, we look forward to talking with you all there!

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